ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Hikaru Nakamura's controversial act of throwing Gukesh Dommaraju's king piece into the crowd during an exhibition match has divided the chess community. While some, like Magnus Carlsen's coach Peter Heine Nielsen and organizer Levy Rozman, defended it as an entertainment-driven, pre-planned gesture, others like Vladimir Kramnik condemned it as vulgar and damaging to the game.

From sibling rivalry in Goa to becoming the state’s second Grandmaster, 19-year-old Leon Luke Mendonca’s journey has been shaped by family sacrifice and resilience. After illness marred his Tata Steel Masters debut, the teenager rebounded with consistent performances to earn a World Cup reserve spot in Goa, underlining his persistence in chasing the next level of global chess.

Argentinian chess prodigy Faustino Oro, aged 11, won the Legends & Prodigies 2025 tournament, securing his first GM norm and remaining undefeated. He set new performance and FIDE rating records for players under 12, becoming the youngest to surpass a 2500 rating. Oro now aims to become the youngest Grandmaster in history.

The Global Chess League Season 3 player draft in Mumbai saw World Champion Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi unite with PBG Alaskan Knights, while Wesley So joined Mumba Masters. The league, featuring top international and Indian talents, is set to debut in India from December 13-24, 2025, at the Royal Opera House.

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 witnessed Anish Giri's triumph and Vaishali Rameshbabu's repeat victory, alongside Matthias Bluebaum's unexpected Candidates qualification. Despite Gukesh Dommaraju's stumble, the event highlighted India's mixed fortunes and the rise of young talents like America's Abhimanyu Mishra. Divya Deshmukh's fearless performance in the Open section also underscored the growing strength of women in chess, inspiring future participation.

Mishra, born in New Jersey to Indian parents, had already carved his place in history as the youngest-ever to earn the GM title at 12 years and four months. With this win, he set another record, becoming the youngest to defeat a reigning world champion in classical chess, eclipsing Gata Kamsky’s 1992 mark at 18, when he beat Garry Kasparov.

Facing Amin’s king’s pawn opening, Divya Deshmukh responded with the Sicilian Defence, steering the battle into the sharp Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack territory. The Egyptian pressed early, but as the game wore on, the momentum began shifting.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky refuted Hikaru Nakamura's claims that the Candidates' rating qualification spot was designed for Magnus Carlsen's potential return. Sutovsky clarified that the rule has existed for years and now benefits top players like Nakamura. He emphasised the spot ensures the inclusion of the world's best, not specifically targeting Carlsen, whose return is deemed unlikely.

Pranav Venkatesh triumphed in the Superstars section of the Fujairah Global Chess 2025, held in UAE. He secured victory with an aggressive final-round win, finishing with 7.0/9 points. Prior to this, the 2025 World Junior Champion earned a spot in the FIDE Grand Swiss by winning the "Asian Wildcard Match"Z against GM Kazybek Nogerbek.

Aarini Lahoty, a five-year-old chess prodigy from Delhi, has made history as the youngest Indian player to achieve FIDE ratings in classical, rapid, and blitz formats. Born in 2019, she is the first from her age group to accomplish this feat, holding impressive ratings across all three categories.

A video shows a Chinese man analysing his chess loss in the rain. Grandmaster Hans Niemann shared a similar experience. Anish Giri joked about his rain-free victory. Niemann criticised the American chess system, praising India's support for players. Divya Deshmukh received a Rs 3 crore prize for her chess achievements. Chess passion continues to inspire globally.

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup from October 30 to November 27, offering three Candidates Tournament spots and a $2 million prize pool. The event features chess giants like D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, and R Praggnanandhaa. India boasts a strong contingent of 21 players, including Viswanathan Anand, as the World Cup returns to India after 23 years.

Karthikeyan Murali, the 26-year-old Grandmaster from Thanjavur, holds a unique place in Indian chess history. In 2023, at the Qatar Masters, he became the only Indian to beat Magnus Carlsen with the black pieces during the Norwegian’s 14-year reign as World No. 1. A two-time national champion, Murali’s accidental chess journey now carries one unforgettable milestone.

India’s Divya Deshmukh sparked laughs with her “No jeans!” rule-change joke, recalling Magnus Carlsen’s 2024 dress code controversy. Carlsen famously refused to change his Corneliani jeans, was fined, and later auctioned them for $36,100. Proceeds went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, turning a quirky chess moment into a powerful charitable milestone.

Chess legends Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov are set to reignite their historic rivalry in St. Louis this October, headlining the Clutch Chess series. Adding to the excitement, current world champion D Gukesh will face off against Magnus Carlsen. Kasparov, while acknowledging Gukesh's title win, suggests Carlsen remains the strongest player, sparking debate about the current world championship landscape.

Indian Chess grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa expressed his thoughts as he became the country's highest-ranked player, saying that he doesn't pay too much attention towards one or two ratings points as they can be changed at any time.

Indian chess reflects a stark North-South divide. While Tamil Nadu nurtures champions with cultural and institutional support, northern players struggle for legitimacy and infrastructure. Grandmasters and coaches highlight deep-rooted differences in perception, loyalty, and ambition.

After Magnus Carlsen’s table-slam went viral following a loss to D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa called it an instinctive reaction — not ideal, but good for chess visibility. While praising Carlsen as the best, Praggnanandhaa reflected on his own breakthrough year, having won three major titles and rising to World No. 4 as he eyes a Candidates spot.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has intervened in the dispute between Vladimir Kramnik and David Navara. FIDE expresses concern over the impact of Kramnik's accusations. It supports Navara and asks Kramnik to withdraw his defamation lawsuit. Levon Aronian has also appealed to Kramnik for reconciliation. FIDE emphasizes fairness and unity within the chess community.

In a public plea, Armenian chess grandmaster Levon Aronian has urged Vladimir Kramnik, a former World Champion, to reconcile amidst a defamation lawsuit. Aronian's letter, shared on social media, expresses deep respect for Kramnik, acknowledging his significant influence. This follows Kramnik's lawsuit against Chessdom, GM David Navara, and others, stemming from disputes over alleged online cheating.