Vidit Gujrathi visits the land of Maharajas!
Gone are the days when chess was considered as a niche sport in our country. Indian chess is progressing at a fast pace and this was clear when the first super tournament was held in Kolkata a week ago. Vishy Anand has always been a chess icon and well known chess figure in our country, but now you can see other players coming in the limelight as well. India no.3 Vidit Gujrathi, who is only the fourth Indian to cross 2700 after Anand, Hari and Sasi, is currently in the land of Maharajas - Udaipur, and received a rousing welcome in the city with his posters placed all over the busiest areas of Udaipur. As chess fans it is truly heartening to see that the stars whom we worship, love and adore are becoming a common household name because of dedicated and innovative organizers like Chess in Lakecity.
Former U-14 World Champion, youngest player of India to cross 2700 Elo Rating, the man who has held his own against some of the best players in the world - that’s how we know GM Vidit Gujrathi. He is only the fourth Indian to cross 2700 Elo mark after Vishy Anand, Harikrishna and Sasikiran and is currently ranked 3rd In India with an Elo of 2702. Vidit has been able to maintain his Elo above 2700 for over a year now, which clearly means that he belongs right up there.
Chess in Lake City continues their efforts of appreciating the best players of Indian chess and understands the importance of world class players interacting with the top players of Udaipur and Rajasthan. There are hundreds FIDE Rating tournaments being organized in a calendar year but there are just couple where they invite a Super GM before a tournament to interact with upcoming players of their region. In 2017 it was Adhiban who had visited Udaipur, and this time it is Vidit.
Organizing Secretary Mr Vikas Sahu says that interacting with Vidit will give the youngsters an insight of how to become a world class player and they will know the importance of playing more tournaments and how should they prepare for the same. Vidit has also agreed to give a 50 board simul on the 21st of November. Enrolling for the simul is not limited to Rajasthan players but its open to any player participating in 6th N.L Pandiyar Memorial International Open Fide Rating tournament at Orbit Resort.
Vidit will also inaugurate the 6th N.L. Pandiyar tournament. Speaking to ChessBase India, Vidit said, "It’s no surprise that “Chess is booming in India”. There is so much talent at ground level which needs motivation and the right guidance to become a professional chess player. It would be nice to talk, inspire and play chess with kids from the Land of Maharajas. I will try and let them know the practical side of chess, how to cope with a loss of a game and becoming mentally tough and will show some inspiring games."
ChessBase India congratulates the efforts of Chess in Lakecity. A player like Vidit spends countless hours in the study room perfecting his game, works on his fitness to be in the best possible shape for important events. He has dedicated his life to chess. Having such posters across the city and inviting him to tournaments shows that there is respect for such achievers in our country. We will keep you posted about how Vidit does against 50 hungry players who will be out there to beat him at the Simul!
About the author:
Ankit Dalal is the head of ChessBase India Power. He completed his Masters in HR and PR from University of Central Lancashire in UK. He is the youngest Joint Secretary in Gujarat State Chess Association and was also awarded as youngest organizer in Gujarat. He started organizing tournaments at the age of 17 and has staged various levels of tournaments. Recently he was a part of the World Chess Youth Olympiad. He is also a FNI and has a work experience of more than 15 years.
