The Norway Chess invitational tournament kicked off in Stavanger with a buzz surrounding not only world champion Magnus Carlsen but also the rising stars from India, including Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Humpy.
Garry Kasparov likened Norway Chess to Wimbledon for chess enthusiasts, and this year, the spotlight is on the Indian talents who are making waves in the chess world. Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali, accompanied by their mother, have garnered attention from fans and even Indian-origin Member of Parliament in Norway, Himanshu Gulati.
Gulati expressed pride in India’s chess prowess, acknowledging the dominance of Indian players on the global stage. Alongside veterans like Humpy Koneru, the Indian contingent faces a challenging field that includes world champions Ding Liren and Ju Wenjun, among others.
The director of Norway Chess, Kjell Madland, emphasized India’s significance in the chess community, noting the country’s talented players and their professionalism. Despite the presence of crowd-favorite Carlsen, Indian prodigies like Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali captivated fans, showcasing their skills and potential.
While Carlsen remains a fan favorite, the Indian siblings garnered admiration, with young fans like Isabella Fontana expressing awe at their prowess. The organizers, recognizing India’s growing influence in chess, aim to include more Indian players in future editions.
The rise of talents like Gukesh, who participated in the previous year’s event and has since achieved remarkable success, highlights India’s emergence as a chess powerhouse. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes are on Praggnanandhaa as he navigates the competition, supported by his family and the Indian chess community.
With the presence of seasoned players and emerging talents, including the 61-year-old Swedish GM Pia Cramling, Norway Chess promises exciting matches and a platform for Indian chess stars to shine on the international stage.
WORLD ECHO 
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