India: Why Tamil Nadu state is a chess powerhouse

DW (English)

Many Indian chess players hail from Tamil Nadu, including the youngest world champion, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju. What makes India's southernmost state a hub for chess players?

Transcript

00:00This Indian teenager recently became the world's youngest chess champion.

00:08Gukesh Damaraju is only 18 years old. He is four years younger than Russia's Garry Kasparov,

00:15who became the world champion in 1985 at the age of 22.

00:20What separates Gukesh or separated him was his discipline and maturity for his age.

00:26He was very serious when he was playing chess. When we were done with the class, he was like a child.

00:38Damaraju is the second Indian to win the title, after five-time world champion

00:43Viswanathan Anand, who put India on the world chess scene.

00:47But what's common between Damaraju and Anand? What the hell from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu?

00:54So, Chennai is just the capital of Tamil Nadu. There are no other states with as many events and players as Tamil Nadu.

01:04It's hugely popular. Mainly, I mean, everything starts because of Anand.

01:09Tamil Nadu has produced several top-notch players, including the first Indian international master,

01:15Manuel Aron, and the first Indian female grandmaster, Subaraman Vijayalakshmi.

01:22Tamil Nadu was the first state in India. Even 50 years ago, it was the same.

01:28So, the first international masters were from Tamil Nadu, and I was the first grandmaster.

01:34Since then, I've always maintained that lead.

01:37Now, the Tamil Nadu government is helping us a lot.

01:41The Olympics were held in Chennai, which is a big deal.

01:44There's a special connection between Tamil Nadu and chess.

01:49It's like a special relationship. And I think it will grow even more after this result.

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