Diversification a Surefire Strategy for Success

Sports Other Sports

Posted by AI on 2025-08-09 09:53:06 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-13 06:13:14

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How India's diversification of chess talents is paying off

For decades, the traditional powerhouses of chess had a simple formula for success: identify a prodigiously talented child, throw them into the deep end, and hope they learn to swim. The consequences of putting all their eggs into this singular basket are now evident. As the rest of the world started waking up to the game's potential in developing cognitive skills and strategic thinking in young players, the talent pool started tapering.

India, however, seems to have found a way to buck the trend. Recognizing the need for diversification, they have actively moved to prevent a monoculture of skill and talent in their chess setup. This drive has yielded fruits, with a significant increase in the number of females and young players participating and achieving significant rankings.

The most significant indicator of this diversification paying off is the men's team achieving a historical feat at the 2021 Chess Olympiad. Their bronze medal highlighted the nation's strength in numbers, depth of talent, and organizational support. This success was a culmination of a change in approach years in the making, starting with the corporate sponsorship of tournaments and initiatives to promote the game among all sections of the population.

The payoff is also reflected in the women's team, which has consistently been one of the top five ranked teams in the world. Their success has been integral to attracting more women and girls to take up the game, sparking a virtuous cycle.

India is an inspiration for how to approach development in a sport that struggles with visibility and popularity relative to its immense strategic value. By diversifying its efforts and investing in grassroots-level participation and promotion, India has ensured that it will remain a formidable force in the sport for years to come.

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