Chennai’s Chess Powerhouse: The School Forging Grandmasters
Table of Contents
From the bustling streets of Chennai, India, emerges a remarkable story of chess excellence. Velammal Vidyalaya,a seemingly unassuming school,has become a global phenomenon,churning out a disproportionate number of chess grandmasters. this success is particularly noteworthy given that 29 of India’s 83 Grandmasters hail from Tamil Nadu alone, with an astonishing 15 having honed thier skills within the walls of this very institution. [[3]]
The school’s recent claim to fame is its association with D. Gukesh, who recently made history as one of the youngest players ever to achieve Grandmaster status.His triumph underscores Velammal Vidyalaya‘s profound impact on the global chess scene. The school’s alumni roster reads like a who’s who of Indian chess, including rising stars like R. Praggnanandhaa. Even beyond the male players, female grandmasters Varshini S. and Vaishali R. (Praggnanandhaa’s sister), and R. Rakshita, also call Velammal Vidyalaya their alma mater.
The school’s success isn’t merely a matter of chance.Since 2005, velammal Vidyalaya has actively cultivated a chess-centric surroundings, providing expert training to hundreds of aspiring players.A important boost came in 2013 with the implementation of the “7 to 17 scheme” by then-Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, which further enhanced the school’s chess programme. This dedication has resulted in an unprecedented five consecutive World School Chess Championships wins, a feat largely attributed to the contributions of Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa.
Beyond its recent successes,Velammal Vidyalaya boasts a rich history of producing top chess players. The school’s alumni include prominent figures such as S.P. Sethuraman, Leon Mendonca, K. Priyadarshan, and B. Adhipan, among others. This consistent output of talent speaks volumes about the school’s commitment to nurturing young chess prodigies.
Chennai’s reputation as India’s “chess capital” is deeply intertwined with the legacy of institutions like Velammal Vidyalaya. While private academies have existed since the 1970s, with the Soviet cultural Center serving as a central hub, the city’s chess culture has evolved significantly. The now-defunct Tal Chess Club, named after the legendary Mikhail Tal, played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many players, including the renowned Viswanathan Anand. Velammal Vidyalaya and other similar institutions have carried the torch, fostering a vibrant chess community with over 60 recognized academies currently operating in the city, including Grandmaster R.B. ramesh’s Chess Gurukul.
the story of Velammal Vidyalaya is also one of remarkable growth. Founded in 1986 by M.V. Muthuramalingam with just 183 students and 13 staff, the school, initially named Velammal Matriculation School in honor of his mother, has blossomed into a large educational network encompassing 56 companies across multiple Indian cities.
Chennai’s Chess Powerhouse: The School forging Grandmasters
From the bustling streets of Chennai, India, emerges a remarkable story of chess excellence. velammal Vidyalaya,a seemingly unassuming school,has become a global phenomenon,churning out a disproportionate number of chess grandmasters. This success is particularly noteworthy given that 29 of India’s 83 Grandmasters hail from Tamil Nadu alone, with an amazing 15 having honed their skills within the walls of this vrey institution.
An Interview withChess Expert, Vijay Lakshmi
Anurag Sharma, Senior Editor of World-Today-News.com, speaks with renowned chess expert and author, Vijay Lakshmi, about the extraordinary phenomenon of Velammal Vidyalaya’s success.
The Rise of a Chess Legacy
Anurag Sharma (AS): Vijay, Velammal Vidyalaya’s name has become synonymous with chess excellence. What factors have contributed to this remarkable success story?
Vijay Lakshmi (VL): It’s truly remarkable. Velammal Vidyalaya’s commitment to chess goes beyond mere extracurricular activity. The school actively fosters a chess-centric surroundings. As 2005, they’ve implemented structured training programs, attracting experienced coaches and providing young talent with access to top-level resources. The “7 to 17 scheme” introduced in 2013 by the then-Chief Minister further strengthened their chess program.
Nurturing Young Champions
AS: The school boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have achieved Grandmaster status, including the prodigious D. Gukesh. How does Velammal Vidyalaya identify and nurture these young talents?
VL: They have a keen eye for spotting potential. Their rigorous training program emphasizes not just technical skills but also strategic thinking and mental fortitude, essential qualities for success in chess. The school also provides a supportive environment, allowing these young players to thrive both academically and on the chessboard.
Beyond Individual Achievements
AS: Velammal Vidyalaya’s success extends beyond individual achievements. They’ve won five consecutive World School Chess Championships. What does this say about the school’s culture and approach to teamwork?
VL: It speaks volumes about their team spirit and collaborative approach. Chess, while individualistic, also requires strong team dynamics. The school cultivates an environment where players learn from each other, support each other, and work together towards a common goal.
Chennai: India’s Chess Capital
AS: Chennai is often called India’s “chess capital.” How has Velammal Vidyalaya contributed to this reputation?
VL: Velammal Vidyalaya,along with other academies,has played a pivotal role. Chennai has a long and rich chess history, dating back to the Soviet era with the influence of the Soviet Cultural Center. The now-defunct Tal Chess club, named after the legendary Mikhail Tal, also nurtured many talents. Velammal Vidyalaya has built upon this legacy, fostering a vibrant chess culture and inspiring a new generation of players.
Looking Ahead: A bright Future for Chess
AS: Vijay, what does the future hold for Velammal Vidyalaya and the chess landscape in India?
VL: The future is incredibly bright. Velammal Vidyalaya’s dedication to chess excellence is unwavering. They will undoubtedly continue to produce exceptional talent. As for India as a whole, we’re witnessing a chess renaissance, fueled by enthusiastic young players, dedicated coaches, and institutions like Velammal Vidyalaya, paving the way for India to emerge as a global chess powerhouse.
