Chess in India has seen remarkable growth over the past few decades, yet the sport remains disproportionately popular in Southern India. Despite being the birthplace of the game, India’s northern states are struggling to keep up with the chess culture that flourishes in the south. What are the factors behind this regional divide? And more importantly, is pursuing a career in chess a sustainable option for India’s youth?
Southern India: A Chess Stronghold
Southern India, particularly Tamil Nadu, has long been the epicenter of India’s chess scene. A key factor in this success is the region’s rich intellectual culture, which values strategy, intellect, and education. Southern India’s reverence for these traits naturally extends to chess, a game that sharpens the mind, requires foresight, and rewards strategic thinking.
At the heart of this chess revolution is Viswanathan Anand, a global chess icon and five-time World Chess Champion, who hails from Chennai. Anand's achievements provided a massive boost to the popularity of chess in Tamil Nadu and other southern states. His rise to fame showed that chess is not just an intellectual pursuit but a viable career with global recognition and financial rewards.
Since Anand’s success, Southern India has continued to dominate Indian chess. Tamil Nadu remains the leading state, producing the highest number of FIDE-rated players in India. According to the All India Chess Federation (AICF), Tamil Nadu alone accounts for nearly 25% of India's grandmasters. As of 2024, Tamil Nadu has 30 grandmasters, with Chennai hosting some of the country’s most prestigious tournaments, such as the Chennai Open Chess Tournament and the National Chess Championship.
The city has become a global chess hub, attracting players and coaches from around the world. Other cities like Hyderabad and Bangalore also boast flourishing chess scenes, with extensive infrastructure, such as state-of-the-art chess academies and training centers. These institutions have become key to nurturing young chess talents, providing them with a clear career trajectory, from beginner to professional.
The Northern Struggle: Why is Chess Lagging Behind?
In stark contrast, Northern India has not seen the same level of success in chess. While cities like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab do have some chess presence, they have not developed the same level of infrastructure or produced the same number of top-tier players. Despite the potential for chess to thrive, these states have faced numerous obstacles that have slowed the growth of the sport.
One of the key reasons for this disparity is the absence of a strong grassroots system. In Southern India, chess is a part of the school curriculum and is often encouraged as an extracurricular activity. Many schools in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have chess clubs, where students can practice and compete. In the north, however, chess often competes with other extracurricular activities that are more heavily promoted, such as cricket, football, and athletics.
Additionally, the lack of regional support has hindered chess's growth in Northern India. While the Southern states have received state-level investments in chess infrastructure, with government-sponsored tournaments and private sponsorships, Northern India has seen limited financial backing for chess. In many Northern states, players often lack access to professional coaching and international tournaments, making it more difficult for aspiring players to break into the competitive chess scene.
Delhi, despite being a hub of political and economic power, does not have the same level of dedicated chess academies and training centers as cities in the south. While tournaments are held in the capital, they are fewer in number, and the infrastructure needed to support a thriving chess community remains underdeveloped.
The Viability of a Career in Chess: Is It Worth the Effort?
For those considering chess as a career in India, the prospects are mixed. While Viswanathan Anand’s success has proven that a career in chess can lead to international recognition and financial rewards, the journey is not an easy one.
The top players in India earn through sponsorships, prize money, and coaching. However, the road to becoming a grandmaster is long, competitive, and expensive. The costs of traveling for tournaments, private coaching, and training camps can be prohibitive for players from less affluent backgrounds. This is where the support systems in Southern India have proven advantageous. The Tamil Nadu government, for example, offers financial aid and sponsorships to young players who show promise, alleviating some of the financial burdens they face.
In comparison, Northern India lags in providing such support. Chess players in the north are often left to fund their careers independently, which can deter many promising players from pursuing the game seriously. Government support for chess at the regional level is also lacking in the North, where the focus remains on cricket and other mainstream sports.
Government and Institutional Support: A Missing Link
One of the main reasons for the chess divide between North and South India is the disparity in government support. While Southern states have seen active involvement from both state and central governments, including funding for chess academies, sponsorships for international tournaments, and subsidized coaching, Northern states have not prioritized chess in the same way.
For instance, the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA) has played a pivotal role in organizing chess tournaments and creating a sustainable ecosystem for players. The state government has also been proactive in offering scholarships and financial assistance for young chess players, helping them travel to international events and access world-class training. Such initiatives are less common in the northern states, where government funding for chess is often overshadowed by the emphasis on cricket and other sports.
Furthermore, the Indian government’s National Sports Development Fund has provided financial assistance to many southern players, ensuring that they receive the best training and international exposure. In contrast, the lack of similar initiatives in the North hampers the development of a competitive chess culture in the region.
The Digital Revolution: A New Hope for Chess Players Nationwide
The digital revolution has provided a lifeline to many aspiring chess players across India. Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess have democratized access to chess, allowing players from both South and North India to compete globally without having to leave their homes. Online chess tournaments have provided young players with international exposure, helping them develop their skills and gain recognition.
This digital accessibility has somewhat leveled the playing field, allowing players from less well-resourced regions to compete with the best. Online chess coaching and video lessons have also made it easier for players to access top-notch instruction, regardless of their geographical location.
Moving Toward a National Chess Culture
While Southern India continues to lead the way in the chess world, there is hope for a more balanced and thriving chess culture across India. Governments need to recognize chess as a serious sport and invest in the infrastructure and support systems necessary to nurture young talent, especially in the North. By focusing on grassroots development, financial assistance, and increased exposure, India can transform itself into a chess powerhouse that produces top players from every corner of the country.
If India continues to prioritize chess and expand its support systems, it is possible that a career in chess can become a viable and rewarding option for young Indians, no matter where they come from.