retrospect analysis by Arvind Aaron
Following the example of 2010-2011 analysis of the National Chess Federation of Philippines, the Indian Chess Federation has also released a new year’s article. In it, Arvind Aaron analyzes the key points of 2010 and the expectations for 2011 based on them.
Indian Chess Zooms Ahead
Indian chess reached new frontiers in 2010. If that is so, there is plenty of milestones to be reached in 2011. Viswanathan Anand retained his world chess title at Sofia in a dramatic manner in May 2010 after coming from behind to beat Veselin Topalov by 6.5-5.5.
Anand, who was born in 1969 also held the No.1 ranking on the rating list. He is now listed at 2810, his personal all-time high. Four time world champion Anand’s achievements are making him the greatest chess player of all-time.
In the Age Group World Youth Chess Championship events, India won six medals. We continue to dominate. India also dominates the World Youth Chess Olympiad.
Earlier in 2010, India won a bronze medal in the World Team Chess Championship after we were invited in the eleventh hour following a drop out of one of the qualified teams. Our dynamic AICF Secretary and Treasurer ensured that not only the team made it to the venue on time but also put the best available coach and made sure that the best platform was created for our players to perform.
In all four corners of the nation there are International Open events. You have the Orissa event in May, the Commonwealth Championship and Parsvnath Open at Delhi, the Mayors Cup at Mumbai and the Chennai International in January each year.
The main activity across India in 2010 was the rating stipulated events in various states and it has become a trend for organisers. King’s Chess Foundation conducted one of the rating restricted events at Chennai and was able to garner 700+ entries. A number not seen before for a single event in Indian chess.
Indian chess activity is clearly zooming. There are 17,869 numbers in the FIDE rating list. India as on date has 22 GMs and this number is ticking every few events. Many of our players are knocking on the doors of bigger and higher titles all the time.
In recognition of India’s huge success in all frontiers of chess, FIDE, the International Chess Federation has made India into a separate zone. A status very few nations like Russia, USA, Canada, China enjoy.
