For a long time, people have been arguing about whether chess being considered a sport or not. Chess may not fall into the general category of physical sports but the game involves significant physical and mental efforts from the players.
Chess might sound like a mental game but the truth is chess competitions require a great deal of physical endurance as well.
This article explores the perspective of chess as a sport while looking at the success story of Gukesh Dommaraju, the world’s youngest chess champion.
Relevant Research Insights
Research by Robert Sapolsky from Stanford University reveals that chess players can use up to 6000 calories during tough chess tournaments which is thrice what an average man consumes in one day.
Sapolsky opines that the stress response of grand chess players is similar to the stress response experienced by eminent sports athletes. The breathing rate and blood pressure seems elevated during and after major chess matches.
This is exactly the reason why top chess players adopt a rigid diet and fitness regimen which helps them to concentrate for longer periods of time and withstand physical and mental strain.
The five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand took up physical training such as running and cycling to improve his endurance level before his matches. Following this routine physical activity, he practiced chess game for many hours every day to refine his gaming strategies and study various possibilities of the game.
Gukesh’s Top Winning Qualities
Controlling emotions and staying cool when things get tough are the key to success for any player.
Chess players like Gukesh need to bounce back from defeats and handle the pressure of close calls during matches. This mental strength, along with staying level-headed often makes the difference between good and great players.
Let’s have a look at some of the best qualities and approaches displayed by Gukesh in his winning chess tournament.
Resilience:
Gukesh’s recent win shows this two-sided nature of chess. He won not just because of his smart moves, but also because he could handle being tired in body and mind during long matches.
Dedication:
Gukesh is highly passionate about chess, and he was well prepared for the tournament. His deep commitment towards the game backed by family support helped him to achieve the best possible results. He had a good understanding of the game and displayed brilliance in every move he took.
Accept Mistakes:
Self-awareness plays a big role in becoming a champion. Gukesh was ready to acknowledge his mistakes after losing Game 1 and he took it as part of the game. This attitude helped him to stay confident and move forward.
Discipline:
Gukesh has said that staying steady through yoga and meditation has been key to how well he plays. These methods help him stay cool and zero in when things get tense, showing that getting your mind ready is just as important as getting your body ready in chess.
Humility:
Humility is a symbol of excellence and leadership. People have been praising Gukesh for his modesty and maturity beyond his age. In many interviews, he had been giving credits to the people around him who supported his passion.
Many sports diploma courses include insightful lessons about sports psychology. Learning how to deal with stress and pressure can boost a chess player’s game when the heat is on. Chess tournaments are not easy as players often face several rounds of games in one day. If you don’t keep your body in shape, your mind starts to slip.
Physical stamina goes beyond just feeling at ease during a chess match. It’s about making sure your body doesn’t hold you back when you need to push through tiredness and keep your brain working at its best. Eating well, getting enough rest, and staying in shape are all key parts of a chess player’s routine.
The Path to Becoming a Sports Champion
The journey of becoming a champion like Gukesh requires years of dedicated effort, continuous learning, mental and physical training. It is not an easy road to success but it demands perseverance and commitment to keep on learning.
Sports education has evolved significantly over the years bringing exciting opportunities like sports training programs and sports diploma courses to help aspiring players in all fields. A diploma in sports equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to excel in their chosen sports field.
For chess players as well as other athletes, sports training programs like these will enhance their career readiness. From understanding the subtleties of mental conditioning to maintaining a balanced lifestyle with healthy choices, sports training programs offer comprehensive education for future chess players and athletes.
In summary, while chess may seem like an intellectual game, it is no secret that it is a sport that demands physical and mental resilience to achieve peak performance.
