International chess grandmaster and commentator Tania Sachdev believes Tamil Nadu’s historic affinity for intellect, culture and hospitality makes it a natural global hub for chess and other mind sports. Excerpts from the interview…
What prompted your participation in a Tourism Summit?
I’ve been a professional chess player for many years and have now gradually moved towards commentary. I’m content with what chess has given me. At some stage, you feel a responsibility to remain connected to the sport and to give back in whatever way you can. During the 2022 Chess Olympiad held in Tamil Nadu, I won a bronze medal in Mahabalipuram. When I learnt that a sports tourism conclave was being organised here, I jumped at the chance to be part of it.
How do you see chess aligning with tourism and cultural outreach?
Any sport has a unique power to bring people together. Mind sports like chess are particularly special because they are inclusive and inter-generational. You do not need massive infrastructure or large stadiums. Chess tournaments run over several days, which naturally encourages longer stays and deeper engagement with the place. In 2022, I spoke to a guest house owner here who told me it was one of his best years because of the Olympiad. Over 2,000 participants from more than 180 countries came to this town. They did not behave like tourists; they felt at home. That is the real strength of sports tourism. India already has a culture of hospitality, and Tamil Nadu, with its heritage, coastline and diverse landscape, has even more to offer. Another advantage is that sports tourism often takes place in the off-season, making it beneficial for everyone involved.
With its strong chess legacy, can TN position itself as a global destination for international chess events?
Absolutely! Tamil Nadu has a long-standing intellectual tradition, and chess fits perfectly into that culture. Chennai itself has become synonymous with the sport, having produced a remarkable number of elite players and grandmasters. What strengthens this further is the State’s sports policy. TN has built a supportive ecosystem that identifies and nurtures talent from the grassroots. It functions like a pyramid, when more children enter the game at the base, more champions emerge at the top. With its historic affinity for mind sports and sustained policy backing, Tamil Nadu is naturally positioned to host major international chess and intellectual events.
You were part of India’s women’s team that won gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad. What has been the broader impact of that achievement?
The most significant impact is inspiration. Success at that level motivates young children to take up the sport seriously. The momentum truly began in 2022 when India hosted the Olympiad here and won a historic bronze medal. We were close to gold then, but even that result created an unprecedented surge of interest in chess. When athletes are celebrated, they become role models. That visibility attracts sponsors, increases media attention and strengthens the ecosystem. The gold medal in 2024 has taken this momentum forward. More young players are entering the system, and that is where the long-term impact lies.
Indian chess has risen rapidly on the global stage. What factors have driven this growth?
At the core is talent. India has an exceptional pool of young players. The pandemic period triggered a significant chess boom, and soon after, several Indian youngsters began delivering strong performances internationally. That naturally drew attention to the sport. A major structural shift was the rise of online streaming communities during the pandemic. They removed the perception of chess as an inaccessible or intimidating game. People began engaging with chess for enjoyment. When a sport develops a strong fan base, it grows, and chess benefited enormously from that shift.
How has commentary reshaped your relationship with the game?
Balancing Commentary with competitive play is extremely demanding. Preparing for tournaments requires stepping away from commentary, and commentary leaves little room for intense training. Over time, my career has evolved towards a second identity as a commentator. That transition is built entirely on my years as a professional player, my understanding of the game, my experience under pressure and my global exposure. Without that foundation, this journey would not have been possible.
What more needs to be done for chess to receive stronger institutional recognition as a mind sport?
A lot of positive work is already being done. States like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have created strong support systems for athletes. What is required is wider replication of these models across the country. Dedicated centres of excellence can help identify and train talent at the grassroots. Chess has a unique advantage, it is inter-generational and gender-neutral. Anyone can play. Beyond competition, it also serves as a powerful tool for community building. With sustained institutional support, its reach can expand significantly.
When athletes are celebrated, they become role models. That visibility attracts sponsors, increases media attention and strengthens the ecosystem. The gold medal in 2024 has taken this momentum forward. More young players are entering the system, and that is where the long-term impact lies