Chess gains popularity in dist enthusiasts seek govt support

India’s chess scene is experiencing a resurrection, thanks to the remarkable performances of young prodigies like Divya Deshmukh and Gukesh Dommaraju.

Divya, the 19-year old sensation, won the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, while Gukesh (18) became the youngest world champion. The duo has now become the torchbearer of a new generation of chess players in the country.

Their triumph has not only brought glory to the nation but also motivated youngsters to take up the game seriously and its impact is being observed in the state, particularly in Ludhiana.

This enthusiasm is clearly reflected in the increasing number of children enrolling themselves in chess tournaments. Parents, too, are showing a keen interest in supporting their wards, recognising chess as both a competitive sport and a potential career path.

Incorporating chess into school curriculums has also shown promising results. Students have reportedly experienced cognitive, social and emotional benefits and developed better critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Ludhiana District Chess Association has been at the forefront of this movement, working tirelessly to promote the game across the district. Through the organisation of tournaments on a regular basis, the association aims to provide budding players with the right exposure and opportunities to showcase their skills.

However, despite this zeal, enthusiasts face several challenges, including insufficient funding for tournaments and unequal access to quality coaching and equipment. Additionally, a lack of government support, the absence of dedicated chess arenas and internal politics within associations have slowed down the overall growth of chess in the state. Another reason for the lack of chess’ popularity is the game being perceived as old-fashioned, boring or only for intellectuals.

“With India producing world champions at such a young age, children in Ludhiana are more motivated than ever to pursue chess. Our focus is to nurture this talent and create appropriate platforms for them to grow,” said Arvinder Preet Singh, president of Ludhiana District Chess Association.

“We need either the state government or supportive chess-loving people to come forward to make the sport grow rapidly in Ludhiana and Punjab,” said Arvinder.

He said that with India emerging as a global chess powerhouse, Ludhiana is steadily carving its place and with government involvement and community support, the city can overcome these challenges and emerge as a major hub for chess in the region. He advocated for accessible and affordable chess programmes, tournaments and training opportunities to nurture talent and encourage participation.

He said chess was a strategy-based game that could become a cornerstone for intellectual development among youths. With proper infrastructure and institutional backing, the state could produce many more players of national and international calibre, he added.