The legendary Viswanathan Anand on Tuesday hailed the outstanding feat of 4 Indian chess gamers getting into the quarterfinals of the FIDE World Cup 2023, saying it’s a “historic moment for Indian chess.” D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujarathi have entered the final eight stage of the world event, being performed in Baku, Azerbaijan. “It is a historic moment for Indian chess because we had a good hand, which is multiple players who are playing, who are all good… good enough level to qualify to the final stages,” stated Anand in a video shared by chess.com.

Anand, a five-time world champion, stated the younger gamers are taking Indian chess via a “happy time.” “I was hoping that at least one or two, simply statistically, will break through to the quarterfinals. But in fact, four of them have managed (to enter quarterfinals). So, it is a happy time for Indian chess, and I am happy,” he added.

In a much-anticipated quarterfinals match, Gukesh will face five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen.

Gujarathi shall be up in opposition to Azerbaijan’s Nijat Abasov, whereas in an all-Indian quarterfinal, Praggnanandhaa will tackle Erigaisi.

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