Magnus Carlsen believes India is on track to become a leading chess nation | Chess News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world rapid chess champion and a five-time world champion, expressed his confidence in India’s potential to emerge as a leading chess nation, commending the country for its strategic approach and accomplishments in the sport. Carlsen, widely regarded as the best player of his generation, believes that India’s success in the global chess circuit and its recent hosting of the Chess Olympiad are strong indicators of its progress.
“I think India is doing a lot of right things so far, and it is a matter of time before it is clearly the leading chess nation in the world,” Carlsen stated in a press release. The Norwegian Grandmaster, who is one of the icon players for the inaugural Global Chess League (GCL), expressed his enthusiasm for India’s future in chess.
The GCL, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and the international chess federation (FIDE), is set to be the world’s first and largest official franchise league of its kind. It will feature chess players from around the world competing in a unique joint team format. The league will take place in Dubai from June 21 to July 2, with six teams participating in a minimum of 10 matches each in a double round-robin rapid format.

Carlsen expressed his excitement about being a part of this novel event, saying, “It is an exciting prospect for me to be a part of. This will be something new, something that has not been done this way in over-the-board chess. I am looking forward to exploring this format for the future.”
The GCL will witness each franchise playing a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format. The winner of each match will be determined through a best-of-six board scoring system played simultaneously. The top two teams from the league stage will qualify for the final on July 2, where the ultimate world champion will be crowned.
Known for his experimental views on chess, Carlsen revealed his preference for team events and his anticipation of playing alongside and against the young Indian players. “Personally, I very much enjoy team events and the team spirit within the group. So, it is something I always look forward to. I am looking forward to meeting the other players in the team. I look forward to competing with and against the exciting young generation of Indian players,” he expressed.

The GCL will feature male and female chess champions competing together in the same team, marking a unique and progressive approach. The league’s joint male-female teams will play on the popular rapid format, becoming a distinct multi-player team in the realm of professional sports.
“One of the really good things about this tournament is that men and women can compete against each other at the same stage,” Carlsen added, highlighting the inclusive nature of the competition.
With Carlsen’s endorsement and the GCL’s groundbreaking concept, the league holds the potential to further elevate India’s status in the world of chess and foster greater collaboration and competition within the global chess community.
(With inputs from PTI)