Chennai: In D Gukesh’s journey to chess’ summit, Velammal Vidyalaya, the institution where the 18-year-old is pursuing his education, has been a constant pillar of support.
The Velammal group, nicknamed ‘Chennai’s chess factory’ for helping produce about 20 Indian Grandmasters, has been investing a lot in the sport. It has been providing financial assistance to young players and handing out hefty cash prizes to those who shine at the highest level. Gukesh is one of many beneficiaries, with fellow Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa and Leon Mendonca being some of the others.
Velammal’s latest assist to the world champion’s goal was the timely help in the lead-up to the Candidates tournament earlier this year. When Gukesh and Co. was scrambling for funds to purchase a supercomputer for his preparation, Velammal correspondent MVM Velmohan did not think twice to chip in.
“Ahead of the Candidates, Gukesh’s father Rajinikanth called me and asked if Velammal could help in arranging money for a supercomputer. Gukesh’s coaches had asked for it and it was worth Rs 17 lakh. Velmohan sir sanctioned it within two days, even his father was surprised at how quickly it was done,” Velammal chess coordinator S Velavan told TOI.
In the World Championship closing ceremony in Singapore on Friday, Gukesh extended his gratitude to Velammal. “My whole journey started in a summer camp in my school. They have supported me in so many ways.”
Velavan recalled how he convinced Velmohan to provide financial support to Gukesh in the early stages of his career. “Gukesh was struggling for funds and did not get sponsorships. At one point, Gukesh’s father told me: ‘I do not know what is happening and I do not know what to do’. I asked for three months’ time. I repeatedly requested our correspondent to intervene. He asked me why I was repeatedly mentioning Gukesh’s name. I told him that he was capable of beating Viswanathan Anand sir (at that time). He took my word.”
Velavan also remembered how Gukesh made his intentions clear when they attended the 2021 World Championship in Dubai. “Gukesh was part of the Velammal Nexus (combined) team that won the World School Chess Tournament in Dubai. The World Championship was happening in the city at the same time, so we went to watch it. He observed the games closely. He told me that he wanted to be there (World Championship) one day. He did not express much in words, but was sincere and motivated to get to the top,” said Velavan, adding that Velammal’s next target is to help produce more world champions.
How TOI story was a boost for Velammal:Velavan thanked TOI for highlighting Velammal’s contribution, saying that the story titled ‘Focus on Chennai chess factory that taught Prag’ – published on August 23 last year – motivated the group even more to serve the chess community. “Being referred to as a ‘chess factory’ is an honour for us. After reading the article, Velmohan sir assured that he will do more work to help create superstars,” Velavan said.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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