“Checkmating stereotypes: How India’s chess board is split between cultural pride and overlooked potential.”
A striking admission from India’s rising star Vantika Agrawal has shaken the chess community: “In North India, there is no culture of chess.” Her words spotlight a stark contrast between the North and South’s approach to the game, revealing deep-rooted disparities in support, recognition, and mindset.
A Tale of Two Regions in Indian Chess
Cultural perception: In northern states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, chess is often dismissed as a pastime rather than a viable career. Agrawal recounts how her achievements are frequently belittled with remarks like, “Chess is fine, but what do you really do?” This lack of respect can discourage emerging talent.
Southern support: States like Tamil Nadu have cultivated deep infrastructure and cultural pride in chess. Legendary figures such as Viswanathan Anand, D Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Humpy Koneru serve as proof of a thriving ecosystem backed by generous funding, coaching, and flexible schooling.
Training culture: Delhi Chess Association president Bharat Singh Chauhan bluntly attributes the divide to cultural attitudes: “By birth, North Indians are different… in the South, even a billionaire can be seen wearing slippers and standing at a bus stop, while here… someone with ₹5 crore gets treated like royalty.” The North’s coaching boom generates revenue but lacks quality control, with parents often falling prey to overpromised credentials.
The Cost of a Cultural Gap
This disparity has tangible implications:
- Northern talents frequently abandon chess early, lacking systemic encouragement and societal respect.
- The southern chess culture funnels resources and craftsmanship into producing global-level grandmasters.
- With North Indian players feeling undervalued, the national talent pool remains unevenly developed.
Bridging the Divide
Agrawal emphasizes the need for a unified chess culture:
- Compatibility efforts: Greater investment and community-building initiatives are needed in the North to make chess visible and respected.
- Coaching oversight: Northern academies must hold trainers accountable with standardized credentials and monitored success.
- Cultural shift: Valuing chess as a professional pursuit requires changing mindsets through media, role models, and educational incentives.
Recent Chess Highlights in India
Evidence of India’s fast-rising chess prowess continues to grow:
- R Praggnanandhaa has become India’s No. 1 after winning the UzChess Cup Masters.
- Young talents from regional programs are breaking through: Shreyanshi Jain from Jaipur won national U‑7 gold, while Coimbatore’s Sreenidhi S became the first FIDE-rated player from her school system.
- D Gukesh stunned the world by defeating Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess, earning praise for his ambition to reach the world’s top ranking.
The Path Forward
While elite talent continues to emerge, India’s chess community must address the northern cultural void:
- Schools and state bodies in the North should replicate southern development models: funding, school integration, and mentorship.
- Spotlighting northern players’ stories can help shift public perception from leisure to legitimacy.
- Collaboration across regions can foster a national chess identity, ensuring India’s overall growth benefits all.
Final Thought
India’s chess surge is undeniable. But to sustain momentum, the game must break free from regional limitations. Embracing chess as a serious pursuit across the North could deepen India’s competitive edge globally. The challenge lies in building bridges—between regions and mindsets—to ensure all aspiring players can unlock their potential.
Follow us for latest updates:
