Indian Grandmasters Vaishali Rameshbabu and Nihal Sarin Join Global Chess League 2024

The Global Chess League (GCL) 2024 is set to return for its second season in London from October 3 to 12, and the player draft has already made headlines with the acquisition of Indian Grandmasters Vaishali Rameshbabu and Nihal Sarin.

Vaishali, a rising star in the women's chess circuit, has been signed by Ganges Grandmasters in the Superstar Women 1 section. She will join the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who is also part of the Ganges lineup.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Sarin has been drafted by Alaskan Knights in the Prodigy category. He will be playing alongside renowned players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov.

"For someone my age, coming up the ranks in this sport, I am super thrilled to be part of the Global Chess League Season 2," said Sarin after the draft. "I am looking forward to learn from the stalwarts playing in this season and I am happy to be part of Alaskan Knights this season."

Other notable Indian players who have been retained by their respective teams include Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, who will continue to play for Mumba Masters.

The GCL has also announced its icon players for the upcoming season. Magnus Carlsen will represent Alpine SG Pipers, Anand will play for Ganges Grandmasters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave will lead Mumba Masters, Ian Nepomniachtchi will captain Triveni Continental Kings, and debutants Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri will join American Gambits and Alaskan Knights, respectively.

The GCL is a unique chess league that features teams from around the world competing in a series of online matches. The league aims to promote chess and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills.

Tags: #GlobalChessLeague, #GCL2024, #VaishaliRameshbabu, #NihalSarin, #IndianChess