Bristy Mukherjee's Heartfelt Gesture to Magnus Carlsen at Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024
The Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024 in Kolkata was not just about high-stakes matches and dazzling moves, but also a heartwarming moment that captured the spirit of respect and admiration that transcends cultures. Indian chess player Bristy Mukherjee made headlines when she paid a traditional Indian gesture of respect to none other than world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, leaving the Norwegian Grandmaster both surprised and touched.
Mukherjee, who made a clean sweep in the All India Women’s Rapid event with a perfect score of 7/7, was on cloud nine after her impressive victory. But before taking her well-deserved trophy, she first made a gesture that many in India will recognize—a respectful touch of the feet. This is a common cultural tradition in India, where showing respect to elders or mentors is a deeply ingrained custom. Mukherjee’s gesture was particularly poignant, as it was directed at Carlsen, who, while not a mentor in the traditional sense, is undoubtedly one of the biggest icons in the world of chess.
Before her touching moment with Carlsen, Mukherjee also made sure to show her respect to Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, another inspiration in her journey. But it was her respectful gesture toward Carlsen that stole the show, bringing a smile to his face. Although initially caught off guard, Carlsen quickly grasped the significance of the gesture, and his warm smile acknowledged the cultural exchange taking place. For Mukherjee, the act was not just about honoring her idol; it was a tribute to the two great chess figures who have shaped her career and the chess community worldwide.
This cultural exchange was particularly special because Carlsen, who has always expressed admiration for the rising chess talent in India, found himself introduced to a tradition that might be unfamiliar to many outside the country. It was a moment that not only bridged cultures but also reminded everyone present of the reverence and respect that the game of chess commands.
On the competitive front, Magnus Carlsen once again proved his dominance in the chess world. The 33-year-old Norwegian Grandmaster clinched both the rapid and blitz titles, showcasing his unmatched skills and strategic brilliance. In the blitz section, Carlsen delivered a commanding performance, finishing with 13 points, including a thrilling win over India’s Arjun Erigaisi in the penultimate round. This marks Carlsen’s second double-title triumph in Kolkata, the first being in 2019, reinforcing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players.
Meanwhile, in the women’s blitz section, Russia’s Kateryna Lagno narrowly defeated Valentina Gunina to take the title, while India’s Vantika Agrawal tied for third, continuing the strong showing of Indian talent at the festival. Filipino-American Grandmaster Wesley So also impressed, securing second place in the blitz after a remarkable comeback.
The Tata Steel Chess India Festival was not just a series of intense matches—it was a celebration of the growing prominence of chess in India and the global community’s respect for the sport’s cultural impact. Between the thrilling games, memorable gestures, and moments of mutual admiration, this year’s festival has once again shown why chess is much more than just a game—it's a universal language of intellect, respect, and connection.
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