Ashish Ranjan
The Global Chess League has been one of the most talked-about sporting events in recent weeks due to its novel format and the introduction of the franchise format, which has caused everyone to take notice.
The World Champions Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, among others, have praised the tournament and ensured that the competition will be fierce by participating. Dubai is hosting the inaugural season of the Global Chess League, which began on June 21 and will conclude on July 2.
Yuzvendra Chahal, the Indian cricketer and ambassador for the SG Alpine Warriors, was also present at the tournament and spoke about how the sport had benefited him. Chess provided me with my first uniform, and the sport has taught me patience over the years. And that benefits me in cricket, because sometimes you can bowl well but still not get a wicket, and that’s when patience is crucial,” he said.
Chahal, a well-known chess enthusiast, explained that the game is akin to cricket in that it requires strategic planning. The master spinner added that chess helps you maintain composure in any circumstance.
“Cricket and chess are similar, but in cricket you can demonstrate aggression, but not in chess. Chess is all about your level of composure. For instance, if I am bowling, I can communicate with the adversary, but in chess you must maintain your composure and concentration. And eventually it will assist you in life as well,” the Indian cricketer said on the sidelines of the Dubai Global Chess League.
Chahal, who stated that he did not anticipate playing for the Indian cricket team when he left chess, remarked that the Global Chess League is a boost for the sport.
“In India, we are avid cricket fans, but the Global Chess League is the Indian Premier League of chess.” This is the inaugural edition of this tournament, so a comparison to the Indian Premier League is inappropriate. People will learn more about chess and the league, so it’s a wonderful idea,” he said.
“The new format of mixed teams is also a terrific development. I anticipate that within the next ten to fifteen years, new players will emerge, and people will begin to discuss the Global Chess League. When that time arrives, I will be overjoyed, he continued.
Chahal responded that the Indian cricket team plays chess while traveling when asked about chess and the team. “There is no one on the Indian team who can defeat me (laughs). Occasionally, I play with R Ashwin, and I also used to play with Shanker Basu, our trainer. We used to play a considerable amount during flights and travel.”
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Chahal, who occasionally engages in an online game of chess, stated, “I play chess on the way to a game because it helps me relax. In particular, I play chess during flights.”This (Chess) is my first passion,” he concluded. “Chess is growing now, and it has been two decades since I connected with the sport in this way; this is my first love.”
