At the Delhi International GM Open Chess Tournament, 80-year-old Bangladeshi chess icon Rani Hamid squared off against 13-year-old Indian prodigy Balaji Sudarshan. Though Hamid lost, the real story was the warmth and mutual respect between them—after the match, they dove into a lively post-game analysis, proving age is just a number when it comes to love for the game. Hamid’s witty remark about traveling to India for chess (since Bangladesh lacks tournaments) added a layer of humor and poignancy to her enduring dedication.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another chess match—it’s a reminder of how sports can bridge generations and cultures. Hamid’s perseverance at 80 and Sudarshan’s rising talent highlight the timeless appeal of chess, while her candid comment underscores the need for more support for the game in smaller chess nations like Bangladesh. It’s a feel-good story with a subtle call to action.

Top chess player Fabiano Caruana isn’t quite ready to crown India’s rising stars, Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi, as the next big threats. While acknowledging their talent, Caruana bluntly said they’re "not scary yet," arguing that veterans like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura still dominate. His comments throw cold water on the idea that chess is seeing a dramatic youth takeover—at least for now.

Editor’s Note: Chess fans love debating when the next generation will dethrone the old guard, and Caruana’s frank take adds fuel to that discussion. It’s not disrespect—just a reality check that experience still counts. But with young players climbing the ranks fast, this could age interestingly.