Vishy Anand May Be Awarded Bharat Ratna Due To Gukesh Triumph

It was indeed abuzz with excitement that recently witnessed the elevation of the youngest chess wizard from India, Dommaraju Gukesh, the 18-year-old grandmaster.

The young grandmaster’s phenomenal feat did more than bring international recognition for Indian chess. His brilliant feat rekindled, yet again, calls by many for his guru or mentor and five-time chess world champion, Viswanathan Anand, for the Bharat Ratna, the country’s apex civilian award.

Anand’s unparalleled contributions to the game of chess and his role in nurturing the rising stars of India are a forceful argument for this acknowledgment.

The Legend of Viswanathan Anand

Viswanathan Anand, born on December 11, 1969, in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, is an Indian chess Grandmaster. He was only 18 when he won India’s first Grandmaster title in 1988 and opened doors for many generations ahead.

Anand earned the nickname “Lightning Kid” due to his fast playing style during his early years. He has five World Chess Championship titles under his belt, which he won in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

He is one of the most celebrated chess players in history. He has also won the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships twice, in 2003 and 2017.

Anand’s contributions go beyond his individual success. He has been a source of inspiration for millions of Indians, proving that the country can be at par with the West in a sport that is traditionally dominated by the latter.

As a recognition of his achievements, Anand was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2007. He was the first sportsperson to be given this honor, which proves that his contributions were unique in every way.

Gukesh’s Historic Feat

Gukesh has etched his name in history by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship held in Singapore on December 12, 2024.

The victory made Gukesh at 18 years old break the record previously held by Garry Kasparov, who became the world champion at 22 in 1985. This victory marks him as the second Indian to claim the world title, after his mentor, Viswanathan Anand.

This achievement is a testament to the talent, hard work, and resilience of Gukesh. It has not only brought pride to India but has also further cemented India’s position as a powerhouse in the world chess scenario.

Gukesh has often been vocal about how the influence of Anand’s mentorship has helped shape his career, again emphasizing the role Anand continues to play in developing chess talent in India.

Anand’s Role as a Mentor

Anand’s influence on Indian chess extends far beyond his personal accomplishments. Through initiatives like the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), Anand has been actively mentoring and supporting young Indian chess players.

The academy aims to provide a platform for budding talents to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels of the game.

Gukesh is one of the many who have benefited from Anand’s mentorship. Under Anand’s mentorship, Gukesh has blossomed into a world-class player capable of competing with the best in the world.

Anand’s insights, experience, and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping Gukesh’s journey to the top. Gukesh’s triumph is a reflection of the robust ecosystem Anand has helped create for Indian chess.

The Rise of Indian Chess

Anand’s legacy has sparked a chess renaissance in India. The country now boasts 85 Grandmasters, a significant increase from just a handful in the early 2000s.

This surge in talent can be attributed to Anand’s success, which has inspired a generation of young players to take up the sport.

Prominent names like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi have emerged as rising stars, further cementing India’s position on the global chess stage.

The increasing success of India in the chess game also shows up through growing presence in international tournaments. The country has been showing very good performance in the Chess Olympiad and other great tournaments.

It would not have been possible without Anand’s efforts to transform this change. By setting very high standards of excellence, and actively contributing to the development of young players, he has ensured that India remains a powerhouse in the world of chess.

Requests for the Bharat Ratna

The demand to give the Bharat Ratna to Anand is not a new one. Even in 2012, when Anand won his fifth World Chess Championship title, the demand for the Bharat Ratna to be awarded to Anand had spread across the nation.

The politicians, sportsmen, and chess lovers were vocal about this recognition for Anand. The last Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa, was one of the prominent voices demanding Bharat Ratna for Anand.

Bharat Ratna is given to outstanding work in the spheres of art, literature, science, and public service.

Evidently, Anand has contributed to chess as both a player and a mentor that qualifies him for this particular award. His excellence through enhancing India’s status at the chess world and motivating millions has earned him a right to this prestigious prize.

Gukesh’s recent victory has been a momentum giver to the demand. The second Indian to win the World Chess Championship, Gukesh victory is a testimony to how Anand’s impact lingers on Indian chess even today.

An award to Anand of Bharat Ratna would not just be an accolade for his individual achievement but an acknowledgment of the role Anand played in nurturing India’s chess talent and elevating India’s standing in the world chess community.

Viswanathan Anand represents the chess world. His track record from achieving the Grandmaster status of India to grooming forthcoming champions is unrivalled.

Gukesh’s historic victory is a testament to the legacy of the great Anand and the important role he plays in shaping the future of chess players in India.

It would be a very apt recognition of his extraordinary achievements and his significant contributions to Indian sports and culture if the Bharat Ratna is awarded to Anand.

As India celebrates Gukesh’s triumph, it is also an opportune moment to honor the man who made it possible: Viswanathan Anand, a true legend of the game.