Velammal Educational Institutions, based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is not just another educational organization. It is the cradle of Indian chess prodigies, producing some of the world’s finest young players, including Dommaraju Gukesh (Gukesh D) and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Through its exceptional chess program, Velammal has become synonymous with chess excellence, transforming the city into a global chess hub.
The Rise of Velammal as a Chess Powerhouse
Velammal Educational Institutions, founded in 1986, started with the primary goal of offering quality education. However, over the years, it evolved into a hub for nurturing sports, particularly chess. With its dedicated chess academy, the institution has built a robust system to identify, train, and promote young talent.
In chess, Velammal has redefined what it means to support young players, providing the infrastructure, resources, and coaching required to compete at international levels. For prodigies like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, Velammal has been more than a school—it has been the launchpad for their success.
The Chess Revolution at Velammal
1. Specialized Chess Programs
Velammal runs a specialized chess program under its Velammal Nexus Schools, which has become a training ground for aspiring chess players. Students enrolled in the program benefit from:
- Expert Coaching: Top chess coaches, including Grandmasters and International Masters, regularly train students.
- Access to Resources: Advanced chess literature, databases, and analysis tools are readily available.
- Tournament Participation: Velammal ensures that its students participate in local, national, and international chess tournaments, gaining valuable competitive experience.
2. Financial and Academic Support
Velammal is known for providing scholarships and financial support to students who excel in chess. The institution also offers flexible academic schedules, enabling players to balance their studies and rigorous chess training.
3. Building an Ecosystem of Excellence
Chennai is often referred to as the “Chess Capital of India,” and Velammal has played a pivotal role in this transformation. By fostering a culture of chess, the institution has created an ecosystem where young talents thrive. Students are exposed to chess legends like Viswanathan Anand, whose success serves as inspiration.
Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa: Stars Born at Velammal
Dommaraju Gukesh (Gukesh D)
Gukesh, one of India’s brightest chess stars, owes much of his early success to Velammal. Born in 2006, Gukesh joined Velammal Vidyalaya as a young student with an innate talent for chess. Under the institution’s guidance, he rapidly climbed the chess ladder, becoming the second-youngest Grandmaster in the world in 2019 at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days.
At Velammal, Gukesh received:
- Training from renowned coaches, including GM Vishnu Prasanna.
- Exposure to international tournaments, where he honed his skills against world-class players.
- Institutional support that allowed him to focus entirely on his chess career while balancing academics.
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
Another Velammal prodigy, Praggnanandhaa, shares a similar story. Born in 2005, Praggnanandhaa joined Velammal Vidyalaya as a promising young player. He became the world’s second-youngest Grandmaster in 2018 at the age of 12 years and 10 months.
Praggnanandhaa benefited immensely from the institution’s structured chess program, and like Gukesh, he has gone on to represent India on the global stage, achieving several notable victories, including defeating World Champion Magnus Carlsen in 2022.
The Role of Mentors and Coaches
Velammal’s success is largely credited to its exceptional team of mentors and coaches. Chess Grandmasters, International Masters, and experienced trainers work tirelessly to nurture the talent of their students. For Gukesh, GM Vishnu Prasanna was a pivotal figure in shaping his career. Praggnanandhaa, on the other hand, was mentored by Ramesh RB, a celebrated chess coach who has trained several top Indian players.
These mentors emphasize not only skill development but also mental toughness, preparing students to handle the pressures of competitive chess.
Achievements of Velammal Alumni
Velammal’s contribution to chess is reflected in the accomplishments of its students:
- Multiple Youth Champions: Velammal has produced numerous World and Asian Youth Chess Champions.
- Chess Olympiad Success: In the 44th Chess Olympiad (2022), both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa delivered stellar performances, leading India to historic victories.
- Elite Grandmasters: Apart from Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, Velammal has produced several other Grandmasters, solidifying its reputation as a chess powerhouse.
Impact on Indian Chess
The success of Velammal’s program has had a ripple effect on Indian chess. Other schools and academies have begun emulating its model, leading to a surge in young talent across the country. By creating a chess culture, Velammal has not only elevated Chennai as a global chess hub but also contributed to India’s growing dominance in the sport.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
Velammal Educational Institutions stand as a shining example of how an educational organization can impact sports at a global level. By combining academic flexibility, financial support, and world-class training, Velammal has created a chess revolution in Chennai.
For prodigies like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, Velammal has been instrumental in their rise to international fame. As the institution continues to produce chess champions, it solidifies its legacy as a nursery of Indian chess and a beacon of excellence for generations to come.
