Read the passage and answer the following questions:
India's tryst with chess is deeply interwoven with its cultural heritage, for the game itself originally known as 'chaturanga' emerged on the subcontinent over a millennium ago. Initially conceived as a strategic simulation of warfare, 'chaturanga' evolved into shatranj under Persian influence before migrating westward, ultimately becoming modern chess.
In the contemporary era, India's prominence on the global chess stage began with the meteoric ascent of Viswanathan Anand in the late 20th century. Anand's fluid playing style, amalgamating tactical precision with positional depth, earned him the World Chess Championship title multiple times and inspired a generation of players. His success catalysed institutional investment in chess, leading to an upsurge in tournaments, academies, and grassroots initiatives across the country.
The 21st century has witnessed the emergence of prodigies such as Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, D. Gukesh, and Nihal Sarin, whose exploits in international arenas have positioned India as a formidable force in team events like the Chess Olympiad. Digital platforms have further accelerated talent development, enabling young aspirants to spar with grandmasters worldwide, thus refining their strategic acumen from an early age.
Today, India stands not merely as the cradle of chess's origins but as an influential power shaping its future. This continuity from ancient invention to modern innovation underscores the nation's enduring legacy in the chess world.
The word 'meteor' most nearly means:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Based on the context provided in the passage, 'meteoric ascent' describes the quick and impressive rise of Viswanathan Anand in the chess world. The word 'meteoric' in this context refers to something that happens very quickly and attracts a lot of attention, similar to the speed and brightness of a meteor.