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At the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Indian chess presents a contrasting picture. Nihal Sarin shines, securing his third consecutive win and joining the lead. Meanwhile, World Champion D Gukesh struggles, losing his third straight game and risking a drop from the top 10. Despite Nihal's success, he humbly credits Viswanathan Anand and Gukesh for India's chess boom.

Teen chess prodigy GM Divya Deshmukh, after a shaky start at the Grand Swiss, stunned Africa's top-rated GM Bassem Amin. Playing with black, Divya showcased resilience in the Sicilian Defence, capitalising on Amin's aggressive play. Despite a challenging opening, she seized the initiative, converting a rook sacrifice into a decisive advantage.

Aarini Lahoty, a five-year-old chess prodigy from Delhi, has achieved a remarkable feat by earning FIDE ratings in classical, rapid, and blitz chess formats. She is the youngest girl globally to achieve this milestone and the first Indian player born in 2019 to do so. She now holds ratings of 1553 (classical), 1550 (rapid) and 1498 (blitz).

Anish Giri's witty remark on Praggnanandhaa becoming the World No.1 junior highlights the rise of young chess talents. Praggnanandhaa's UzChess Cup Masters 2025 victory, propelling him to World No.4 and India's top player, showcases his dominance. His dramatic win, praised by Viswanathan Anand, underscores his impressive character and solidifies his position as a leading force in chess.