Chess dads- The Silent Architects Behind Every Move

Kings of Indian Chess

Behind every young talent rising through the vast and varied subcontinent of India, there is a father quietly navigating a maze of sacrifices, schedules, and silent strength.

In India, where chess has woven itself into the fabric of tradition, we find fathers who are not just caregivers, but true chess advocates—pushing their children to break barriers, often while juggling their own dreams and responsibilities. These fathers don't always grab headlines, but without them, the story of Indian chess might be a different one altogether.

The Unexpected Journey Into Chess

Among these shining prodigies, two siblings have become synonymous with grace and grit on the chessboard. Whether it’s competing in global arenas or returning home with glittering trophies, the unstoppable duo of Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu seems to move chess pieces like poetry in motion. But behind their success is someone whose name doesn’t always trend on social media or make the front page—Rameshbabu, their father. His story, much like the many other chess dads across India, is one of quiet heroism, resilience, and unwavering belief.

Rameshbabu, a dedicated father and branch manager at TNSC Bank, didn’t set out to mold future chess champions. In fact, he had no grand ambition for his children to become international chess stars. His simple motivation was just to keep them occupied.

Hailing from a middle-class family in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Rameshbabu faced many financial hardships along the way. Still, when he introduced his children to the game, it was nothing more than an effort to divert their attention from the television. He simply wanted them to have an intellectual pursuit—something that would sharpen their minds and give them a sense of focus.

Little did he know that the seeds he planted on the chessboard would grow into a dynasty of sorts, with his children now making their mark in global tournaments. What began as a casual pastime soon transformed into a passion that would change the trajectory of his children's lives, as well as the course of Indian chess history.

Fathers as Silent Pillars of Support

Unlike the glamorous moments of victory, the true story of a chess father often goes unnoticed. They don't often sit at the board or take home medals, but they play an indispensable role. They are the ones who are with their children at every step of the journey—during the long drives to tournaments, the sleepless nights before important matches, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with every win or loss.

For Rameshbabu, this meant sacrificing time with his family to ensure that his children had the resources they needed to compete at the highest levels. He made the difficult choice of investing in tournament travel, coaching fees, and training programs, despite the financial strain. He pushed past his own challenges, always keeping his children’s dreams in sight. His contribution is simple yet profound: he created an environment where his children could not only dream big but also have the support to chase those dreams without hesitation.

A Mentor, Not Just a Parent

Rameshbabu is not just a father; he's also a mentor who has actively shaped his children's character both on and off the chessboard. While he might not know the intricacies of opening theory or the deep nuances of endgames, Rameshbabu understands the psychological demands of the game. He’s always been there to guide, motivate, and remind his children that chess, like life, is about resilience—making every move count and learning from setbacks.

There’s a quiet strength in his approach—Rameshbabu never forced chess onto his children. Instead, he allowed them to fall in love with the game at their own pace. And when the challenges became overwhelming, he offered guidance not just on strategies, but on life itself. His unwavering belief in their potential gave Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa the courage to pursue their dreams, no matter how tough the journey.

The Chess Dad Behind the World Champion’s Rise:

Rajnikanth, Gukesh’s father, is an ENT surgeon who moved to Chennai from Andhra Pradesh to pursue his medical career. Gukesh's family hails from the village of Chenchuraju Kandriga, near Satyavedu in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.

He dropped out of school after Class IV (in elementary school) to focus on his chess career. While most fathers dream of their children excelling in academics, Rajnikanth’s story is one of pushing boundaries in an entirely different way. His son Gukesh, a chess prodigy, had already shown signs of brilliance by the time he was very young. However, in 2017, it was Rajnikanth’s ultimate leap of faith that truly marked a turning point in Gukesh’s career.

Rajnikanth leaves his job to support Gukesh in his chess career.

At this stage, Gukesh had already achieved notable milestones in the chess world. Despite being an exceptional talent, his family was unable to afford the travel and coaching fees necessary for him to reach the international level. Understanding the sacrifices his son had already made, Rajnikanth decided to quit his job as a surgeon to travel with Gukesh to tournaments across the globe. This decision was not made lightly; it meant sacrificing financial security for the sake of his son’s future. But Rajnikanth believed in his son's potential and was determined to support him in every way possible.

In 2017, his father quit his job to travel with Gukesh to various tournaments; Gukesh was sponsored by his parents' friends at this time, support about which he has often spoken since. Gukesh has often credited his father for his success, emphasizing how Rajnikanth’s decision to travel with him was not just about logistics - it was about providing the emotional and psychological support necessary for a young player to thrive in the high-pressure world of competitive chess.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes This Father's Day

As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to celebrate not just the fathers who provide and protect, but the fathers who believe—believe in their children’s potential to change the world, even in the most unlikely arenas.

In the case of Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Gukesh Dommaraju, their fathers’ sacrifices and guidance helped mold them into the global chess stars they are today. They may be the ones receiving the accolades, but Rameshbabu and Rajnikanth are the silent architects behind each checkmate and every victory.

This Father’s Day, let’s take a moment to recognize the chess dads who continue to champion their children’s dreams, working quietly behind the scenes to ensure that their futures are filled with opportunities, success, and the occasional checkmate.

This article is edited by Rasika Ratnaparkhi.

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