A game that originated in northern India around 1500 years back and later had spread to the Arab world

Bangladesh, a country which produced the first grandmaster in the subcontinent through Niaz Murshed back in 1987, quite arguably, has miserably failed to live up to its expectation in the game of chess whereas neighbouring India, who had their first GM in Vishwanathan Anand in 1988, progressed in leaps in bounds over the years to become a global powerhouse at present.

A game that originated in northern India around 1500 years back and later had spread to the Arab world, established itself as a popular medium of mental exercise for many, irrespective of age, sex and race, playing among and between themselves, with the eight by eight board becoming a household item.

However, on the professional circuit, chess demands a uniquely superior level of intelligence and dedication from the players to flourish, compared to other sports, and its growth in a particular country requires meticulous planning and the consequent execution, dedication aside, from the relevant authorities. 

As Bangladesh still waits for their next grandmaster to surface against the odds since 2008, India has produced around 50 GMs during this period and is basking on their 16-year-old grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa's triumph over world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway earlier this year during a rapid online tournament.

Bangladesh could possibly be progressing somewhat with promising players popping up, coupled with the initiatives taken by its chess federation, of late. But if viewed from the frame of reference of India, for instance, it perhaps appears, as if, we are only moving backwards.