As Praggnanandhaa chases history in Baku Viswanathan Anand hails golden generation of Indian chess

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa will be aiming to create history on Thursday (August 24) as he takes on world number one Magnus Carlsen in the tiebreaker of the FIDE World Cup 2023 final in Baku, Azerbaijan.

With India producing chess Grandmasters aplenty besides making a name for itself on the world stage, legendary Indian GM Viswanathan Anand firmly believes that the current lot happens to be a golden generation in Indian chess.

Indian players shine at Chess World Cup

His comments came at a time when the Indian players have hogged the limelight in the Chess World Cup in Baku, as young GM Praggnanandhaa - world number 23 - is set to compete against Carlsen, the reigning world no. 1, in the tiebreaker.

Current generation possesses exceptional talent

News magazine The Week quoted Anand as saying that he was amazed by the fact that most of the current lot possesses a 2,700 plus Elo rating, especially below 20 years of age, terming it special.

The next ten years will see them dominate

'I'm throwing in the title early, but they are a golden generation. They are all in the 2,700-plus group (Elo rating). And they're all under 20. That just does not happen – it's really something special,' said Anand.

Anand delighted with increased Indian participation

He was also delighted by the prospect of seeing many Indians competing at an event, compared to his time. 'It's a very different vibe because I have been used to being the only Indian in a tournament for very long. So, it's incomparable to my experience,' Anand added.

Adapting to changes in chess

Although he noted that the game of chess has changed in recent times, he was willing to offer advice to the upcoming new generation.

Sharing experiences with young players

'I would share my experiences, especially psychologically speaking and emotionally. But, chess itself has changed so much.'

Being cautious with advice

'When I was growing up, what we tried to pass on to people was, how do you find better moves? But now, when the computer is giving you the best moves right away or the quickest answer, the thinking almost has to change...So, how does my experience compare with them? I have to be careful. I can share what I think and leave it in the air, but I can't be too prescriptive,' Anand signed off.