Chennai Masters 2025: No Fury Greater Than The Chase Of Calmness
An event that had to be postponed by a full revolution of the Earth around the Sun, due to a fire caused by faulty electrical wiring, did not lose any of its sparkle, featuring as many as 15 brilliant minds across categories.
The true spirit of any entity is felt strongest at its birthplace. And what better venue to unravel the ever-changing mystery of chess than the land of its origin? Perhaps the birthplace of the sport in the country that gave the world the idea of war on a board serves as a perfect representation of the larger growth of the game.
The recent accomplishments of the Indian chess team on the global platform are reflected in the country’s growing obsession with solving what may seem like random riddles to the inexperienced eye.
Thirst For Mental Perfection
A visible thirst for mental precision was reflected in the huge crowd gathered around the boards at the Chennai Grandmasters on the rescheduled opening day — with the commentary hall packed to capacity and the media section buzzing with footage as journalists waited for their turn to have a quick conversation with some of the sharpest minds from India and beyond.
Efforts to build a strong narrative around the game are widespread, with some of the top-ranked stars urging fans to observe — or better yet, take part in — ‘the larger story’.
And possibly no other city does it better than our very own Chennai, the hometown of the legendary Vishy.
There you have it! No need to even spell out his full name — you already know whom we’re referring to.
Pledge Of Silence
If you’ve ever stepped into a competition room where a high-level chess battle is underway, you’d notice how much it resembles a monastery.
It’s a space of intellect, almost soundproofed, where even the ticking of the clocks is inaudible. The only noise one might hear is the occasional knuckle crack of a Grandmaster pacing around, pausing for a glance at a neighbouring game while still deeply absorbed in their own strategy.
This carefully controlled setting is now digitally overseen, with live broadcasts reaching audiences worldwide through cameras and wireless technology.
Though access to the players’ zone is not easily granted, the silence maintained by viewers of all age groups seems to reflect a deep-rooted admiration — willing to forego speech to witness brilliance unfold on the grand stage.
Festival Of Intellect
No one throws a celebration like India. That’s a fact.
At the heart of every celebration lies the joy of giving. And what’s more — these celebrations are not limited to just festive seasons.
Volunteers and organisers share plans, commentators express their views, and hosts showcase their heritage.
Out of the 20-strong player list — combining both the Masters and Challengers categories — five hail from foreign countries.
And true to India’s inherent spirit of hospitality, newcomers were given a cultural introduction to the richness of the land.
Stalls featuring local artifacts, event memorabilia, and wisdom-packed chess literature lined the venue, alongside food corners where flour bought flour (read: money for snacks).
The event, which had to be postponed by a full year due to a fire incident, still retained all its grandeur, with India’s top-rated classical player, Arjun Erigaisi, taking centre stage in a competition that reflects the country’s vast talent pool, with 15 players participating across divisions.
The perseverance to endure setbacks is a theme that echoes through the chapters of history. And as sport imitates life, the approach of trusting the journey before chasing the outcome is clearly seen on the 64-square battlefield.
