NEW DELHI: Indian chess icons, including five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand and reigning World Champion D Gukesh, lit up Pongal celebrations with their infectious energy and dance moves.
Joining them were prodigious talents Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi, all decked out in traditional attire, veshtis, at Anand’s residence in Tamil Nadu.
A viral video from the festive gathering captured the group joyfully matching steps, showcasing the camaraderie among India’s chess elite.
Their coordinated dance, performed in veshtis, reflected the spirit of Pongal, uniting the flag bearers of a booming chess movement in the country.
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Chess in India has surged in prominence in recent years, thanks to historic achievements on the global stage.
From Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen to D Gukesh clinching the World Chess Championship by overcoming Ding Liren in a thrilling 14-game series, Indian chess has never been more celebrated.
Adding to the accolades were gold-medal victories for both the men’s and women’s teams at the Chess Olympiad, a first-ever triumph for the nation.
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With Pongal marking the Tamil New Year and heralding fresh beginnings, the celebration at Anand’s residence was a fitting tribute to this golden era of Indian chess.
As mentor to many, Anand continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport through the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), where Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are among the rising stars groomed under his guidance.
As for the competitive circuit, Gukesh is set to kick off his year at the prestigious Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, from January 17 to February 2, 2025.