India has emerged as one of the most formidable forces in the world of chess in recent years. This transformation has left the whole world speechless and in awe. The Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament, which just concluded, was a good example of this shift, where young Indian players not only shone bright but also reinforced India chess supremacy.
Tornike Sanikidze Says “So many grandmasters, and so many kids…”
Georgian Grandmaster Tornike Sanikidze, a former chess legend, opened up about what he feels about this shift. He finished 53rd despite being seeded 18th at the tournament. He shared with the media, “This tournament is very beautiful and very hard. There are so many grandmasters, and so many kids. That makes it a very strong tournament. It was very hard for me.”
His words reflect a broader reality, which is the fact that the Indian chess scene is now blooming with young, talented players, making even experienced chess icons struggle.
Tornike Sanikidze’s perspective is not just a result of one tournament. It’s shaped by a long-term association with Indian chess. He shared his experience back in 2013 and claims that he faced challenges even then, and it was hard to play with Indians. He said, “I was here in 2013. Even then, I could see the new generation coming. Back then, I was rated 2518, and I left at 2513; that’s how hard it was to play Indians. And now? Look at the top 10. There are four Indians. The world champion is Indian. That says everything.”
The tournament itself was a spitting image of India chess supremacy. A total of 350 grandmasters and international masters participated in the tournament, and GM Abhiheet Gupta claimed his fourth title at the event.
Mikulas Manik On India Chess Supremacy
Another chess veteran, Slovak GM Mikulas Manik, was also impressed with Indians in chess as he said, “India has done remarkable work with its young talents. And it’s only getting better. The chess quality here is improving at a rate that’s hard to believe.”
Rani Hamid Says “The difference is too big…”
Rani Hamid, the 80-year-old legendary chess player from Bangladesh, also shared her thoughts. She said, “I used to beat Indian girls at will. It felt good back then. But now, look where India is, and where we are. The difference is too big.”
The sense of disbelief is not new. With prodigies like Gukesh D, the world champion, and four Indian Grandmasters in the Top 10 of the FIDE Chess Rankings, a new generation is setting new standards in the global landscape of chess.
Read More
Also Read: X Games Osaka 2025: All You Need To Know
