Legendary Comeback: Viswanathan Anand Returns to the Board in Kolkata
The chess world is set for a thrilling spectacle as the 2026 Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament commences on Wednesday at Kolkata's iconic Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium. The event marks a momentous occasion with the return of India's beloved chess icon, Viswanathan Anand, to competitive play after a six-year absence from this tournament.
Anand, who featured as a player in the first three editions before serving as ambassador and promoter, is back to showcase his timeless class. The five-time world champion humorously remarked on his comeback, stating, "Well… it was exhausting not playing." He revealed that the idea to participate crystallized during a conversation with organizer Jeet Banerjee in February 2024. "I actually play some strong events every year. And here’s a fantastic, attractive event right here in Kolkata so why not play that," Anand explained, expressing gratitude for the reserved spot.
Indian Candidates in the Spotlight: Praggnanandhaa, Deshmukh, Vaishali
While the Open and Women's sections feature 20 elite players, the tournament holds special significance for three Indian grandmasters preparing for the prestigious Candidates tournament in Cyprus: R. Praggnanandhaa, Divya Deshmukh, and R. Vaishali.
Praggnanandhaa, after a stellar run in 2025 that secured his Candidates berth, is adopting a focused, tournament-by-tournament approach. "Yes, 2026 is significant, but right now this event matters most," he said. "My plan is to take one tournament at a time. I’ll concentrate on these two Tata Steel events before thinking about the Candidates." Following this event, he heads to Wijk aan Zee.
For Divya Deshmukh, competing in Open sections is a strategic long-term play to sharpen her skills, even as she remains a top contender in the women's category. Vaishali, meanwhile, will use this strong field to gauge her current form ahead of the Candidates.
Players to Watch: Niemann's Rise and Yip's Challenge
All eyes will also be on American Grandmaster Hans Niemann, who has decisively shifted the narrative to his chess prowess. Moving past previous controversies, Niemann has delivered impressive back-to-back performances at the World Rapid & Blitz Championships, narrowly missing the podium. His dynamic style makes him a serious threat, far beyond a dark horse, in this rapid and blitz format.
In the women's section, 22-year-old American prodigy Carissa Yip, a four-time US Women’s Champion, is poised to be the primary challenger to defending champion Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia.
The opening round pairings promise exciting clashes. In the Open section, Viswanathan Anand will face Wesley So of the USA, while an all-Indian duel sees Aravindh Chithambaram taking on R Praggnanandhaa. Hans Niemann meets Russia's Volodar Murzin. The women's section features Divya Deshmukh against Harika Dronavalli and Vantika Agarwal versus Vaishali R.
The return of a legend, the focus of India's future stars, and the rise of international talents converge to make the 2026 Tata Steel Chess India a landmark event for the sport in the country.
