Gukesh’s Chess Triumph: A Spark of Inspiration for Bandel’s Taranga Banerjee

Kolkata-based chess coach and FIDE-rated player, Taranga Banerjee, recalls a transformative moment in his chess journey: meeting Gukesh Dommaraju in 2021 at the Tata Steel Rapid & Blitz tournament. Gukesh’s intense focus and magnetic personality struck a chord, fueling Taranga’s passion for the game. Today, as Gukesh becomes the 17th World Chess Champion, Taranga finds himself reflecting on how this young prodigy and other Indian chess stars have shaped his aspirations and coaching philosophy.

A Personal Encounter with Legends

“I was fortunate to meet not just Gukesh but also other young Indian stars like Pragnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin at the Tata Steel Rapid & Blitz in 2021,” Taranga shared, his voice brimming with excitement. “I even got to meet the legend himself, Vishwanathan Anand, and had him autograph his autobiography Mind Master. That book has been a constant source of inspiration.”

This year, Taranga added another unforgettable memory to his collection: meeting Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history.

Gukesh’s Victory: A Milestone for Indian Chess

Gukesh’s recent triumph as the 18th World Chess Champion has stirred excitement across the Indian chess community. For Taranga, the victory is more than a historic moment—it’s a testament to the rise of India’s new generation of chess masters. “Gukesh’s win is monumental, bringing the World Champion title back to India after Vishwanathan Anand. It’s a moment of pride and motivation for all of us,” Taranga said.

Inspiration for Bandel Chess Academy

At Bandel Chess Academy, which Taranga runs with dedication, Gukesh’s success was celebrated in style. “We solved critical positions from Gukesh’s World Championship match during our classes,” he explained. “It wasn’t just about analyzing games; it was about feeling the intensity and strategy that goes into such high-level chess. And yes, we also celebrated with chocolates!”

The academy, which caters to budding chess enthusiasts, thrives on inspiration from India’s growing dominance in chess. “India is doing what the Soviet Union did back in the day—total domination. And we chess enthusiasts are just loving it!”

For Taranga, Gukesh’s rise symbolizes the potential within India’s young chess players. It also reaffirms his commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level through his academy. “Seeing Gukesh and others excel motivates me to push harder as a coach and player,” he said.

As the chess world turns its spotlight on India, Taranga believes it’s just the beginning of a golden era for the game in the country. “Gukesh’s victory isn’t just his alone—it’s a victory for Indian chess and everyone who believes in the power of this incredible game,” he concluded.

Cheers to Gukesh, and cheers to the inspiring journey of chess enthusiasts like Taranga Banerjee, who continue to spread the magic of the game one move at a time.