TOISA 2024 Chess Masters Trophy Showdown

Chess Titans Gear Up for TOISA 2024!

Big news for chess fans! India’s best chess players are in the running for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024. Last year, these athletes wowed everyone on the world stage. Now, they are rightly nominated for these top awards.

Excitement is building as these chess stars are ready to battle it out. The awards will recognize the best in men’s, women’s, and para chess. Mark your calendars! February 22nd is the date to remember. The ‘City of Nawabs,’ Lucknow, will host the grand ceremony where the Chess Player of the Year will be revealed.

Men’s Chess Player of the Year: Who Will Win?

Let’s meet the nominees for the Men’s Chess Player of the Year. These players have shown incredible skill.

Gukesh Dommaraju: The Young World Champ

Born in Chennai, this young chess genius was born on May 29, 2006. Gukesh reached an amazing 2794 FIDE rating in October 2024. What a year he had! He clinched victory at the Candidates Tournament. He also grabbed two gold medals at the Chess Olympiad – team and individual! To top it all off, he became the World Chess Champion. At just 18, Gukesh is the youngest ever to achieve this title.

Arjun Erigaisi: India’s Number One

Hailing from Warangal, Telangana, Arjun was born on September 3, 2003. He soared to a peak FIDE rating of 2801 in December 2024. He dominated the Menorca Open A and Stepan Avagyan Memorial. Adding to his wins, Arjun took home the WR Chess Masters Cup. He also won gold at the Chess Olympiad, both individually and with the team. Becoming only the 16th player globally to cross 2800 FIDE, he ended 2024 as India’s top-ranked player.

Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu: Consistent Performer

Born on August 10, 2005, in Chennai, Praggnanandhaa is another chess prodigy. He achieved a high FIDE rating of 2757 in July 2024. He put up a strong fight in the Candidates Tournament, finishing 5th. Furthermore, he played a key part in India’s Chess Olympiad team gold.

Viswanathan Anand: The Legend Continues

This iconic player from Mayiladuthurai, born December 11, 1969, shows no signs of slowing down. Anand won the León Masters for an incredible 10th time in 2024. Moreover, he reached the quarterfinals of the WR Chess Masters Cup. He remains one of India’s best chess players.

Pentala Harikrishna: Strategic Mastermind

Born on May 10, 1986, in Guntur, Harikrishna is a seasoned grandmaster. He was vital to India’s gold medal victory at the Chess Olympiad. Besides playing, Harikrishna helped Gukesh prepare for the World Championship. His experience and knowledge are invaluable to Indian chess.

Women’s Chess Player of the Year: A Tough Choice

Now, let’s check out the amazing women nominated for Chess Player of the Year. These ladies have truly shone brightly.

Koneru Humpy: Rapid Queen

This legend of Indian chess was born on March 31, 1987, in Gudivada. Humpy made history as India’s first women’s World Rapid Chess Champion. In 2024, she grabbed gold at the World Rapid Championship. She also secured silver at the Women’s Candidates Tournament, proving her consistent top form.

Vaishali Rameshbabu: Tactical Star

Born on May 10, 1986, in Guntur, Vaishali is a rising force. She demonstrated her brilliance by winning double gold at the Chess Olympiad. She won both team and individual golds! Adding to her accolades, she earned bronze at the World Blitz Championship.

Vantika Agrawal: Aggressive Player

Born September 28, 2002, in Uttar Pradesh, Vantika is known for her attacking style. She played a crucial role in India’s successes in 2024. Like Vaishali, she secured double gold at the Chess Olympiad, for both team and individual performance.

Tania Sachdev: Chess Ambassador

Born on August 20, 1986, in Delhi, Tania is a well-known voice in chess. She’s famous for her insightful commentary. In 2024, she added a team gold at the Chess Olympiad to her achievements. Tania inspires many through her play and her media work.

Divya Deshmukh: Fearless Talent

Born December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, Divya is a standout young talent. She stunned everyone by winning double gold at the Chess Olympiad (team and individual). Furthermore, she triumphed at the World Junior Championship (Girls’ Individual). Divya became the 2024 FIDE World U20 Girls Chess Champion and won the Sharjah Challengers.

Para Chess Player of the Year: Inspiration on the Board

Let’s acknowledge the incredible Para Chess nominees. These athletes overcome challenges to excel in chess.

Sharon Rachel Aby: Overcoming Obstacles

Born on January 1, 2009, in Chennai, Sharon is an inspiration. Despite facing Spinal Muscular Atrophy, she excels at chess. In 2024, Sharon won gold at the Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities. She also earned bronze at the IPCA World Individual Chess Championship. She even placed 7th at the Paralympics Asian Games.

Samarth J Rao: Consistent Champion

Born on January 1, 1999, in Basrur, Karnataka, Samarth is an accomplished player in para chess. In 2024, Samarth won gold at the Tata Steel All India Specially-abled Chess Championship. He also took silver at the Asian Championship for Players with Disabilities 2024 Open. His FIDE rating reached 1873, showing his growth.

Venkata Krishna Karthik: Top Para Player

Born in 1986 in Andhra Pradesh, Venkata Krishna Karthik is a leading para chess player. He showed his skill by winning gold at the Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities. Additionally, he secured second place at the Tata Steel Specially Abled All India Chess Championship. His dedication shines through.