R.B. Ramesh interview: ‘Young chess players believe they can be the best’ Premium

R.B. Ramesh discusses the rise of young Indian chess players, the need for more tournaments, and sustaining growth.

At the second edition of the Chennai Grandmasters classical chess tournament, R.B. Ramesh spoke about whether the current crop of talented young Indian chess players are the country’s best ever, what sets apart the present batch, and what could be done to sustain India’s dominance in chess. Excerpts:

This tournament has seemingly become an annual fixture now. How excited are you seeing a tournament like this being organised?

You are going to get at least equal or higher-rated opponents. That’s very good for our Indian players, especially for the young players. And having the Challenger section added, it’s a very good idea. So, I congratulate Srinath (Srinath Narayanan, tournament director), MGD1 group, and the Tamil Nadu government for supporting this initiative.

Because of this, Gukesh got a chance to qualify for the Candidates (2024). And this year, Arjun (Erigaisi) has crossed 2800. So, a very good initiative.

Considering the depth and strength of the Indian chess now, are you surprised that you don’t see tournaments like this more often?

I remember, probably 20 years ago, I posted on Facebook that we need such tournaments. I mean when I was a kid, we had this need, and we still have this need. This, is at least something. Maybe, we have met 10% of what is actually required. The players are doing their part by performance. So, it’s time for others to pitch in as well and play their role. We need more organisers taking such initiatives. We need more corporates and State governments to pitch in and organise tournaments in respective States. We need such tournaments. Probably, three or four more in other States.

Arjun Erigaisi has become only the second Indian to cross the 2800 Elo mark and risen to World No. 2 in the live ratings. What are your thoughts on how he’s evolved as a chess player?