Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand
Full Name and Common Aliases
Viswanathan Anand is a renowned Indian chess grandmaster who has been one of the world's top-ranked players for over two decades. He is often referred to as "Vishy" by fans and fellow players.
Birth and Death Dates
Viswanathan Anand was born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), India. As of this writing, he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Anand's nationality is Indian, and his profession is that of a chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. He has been involved in various other pursuits, including television commentary and business ventures.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Chennai, Anand developed an interest in chess at the age of six. His father, Padaikkappal Subburam Iyer, was a government employee who encouraged his son's passion for the game. Anand began competing in local tournaments and quickly showed promise, winning several junior championships.
Anand's family relocated to Madras (now Chennai) when he was eight years old. He continued to excel in chess, winning the National Sub-Junior Chess Championship in 1983 at the age of 13. This achievement earned him a spot on the Indian national team and marked the beginning of his international career.
Major Accomplishments
Viswanathan Anand's impressive career is highlighted by several major accomplishments:
World Chess Champion: Anand became the World Chess Champion in 2000, defeating Vladimir Kramnik. He successfully defended his title three times before losing to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
Grandmaster: Anand was awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) in 1988 at the age of 18.
Multiple-time National Champion: Anand has won the Indian National Chess Championship a record five times.Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his chess accomplishments, Viswanathan Anand has been involved in various initiatives and activities:
Chess commentator and analyst: Anand has worked as a television commentator for several international tournaments, including the World Chess Championship. He is known for his insightful analysis and engaging commentary style.
Business ventures: Anand has invested in various business ventures, including a chess academy and a software company.Impact and Legacy
Viswanathan Anand's impact on the world of chess cannot be overstated:
Inspiring future generations: Anand's success has inspired countless young players around the world to take up the game.
Raising India's profile in international chess: Anand's achievements have helped raise India's profile in international chess, paving the way for other Indian players to compete at the highest level.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Viswanathan Anand is widely quoted and remembered due to his remarkable career and numerous accolades:
Unparalleled success: Anand's longevity at the top of the world rankings, combined with his World Championship titles, has cemented his place as one of the greatest players in chess history.
* Inspirational figure: Anand's dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have made him an inspirational figure for fans around the world.
Viswanathan Anand's remarkable career is a testament to his skill, determination, and commitment to the sport he loves. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of chess players and enthusiasts alike.
Quotes by Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand's insights on:

Each match I approach like a new one. The work is so immense that you don’t have time to sit and ponder.

When there’s an important tournament going on, I try and stay in a bubble. It’s easy that way because then you don’t have to worry about anything else.

I think the draw quotient has always been high in world championship matches because the amount of effort people put into neutralizing each other’s openings. It’s just now with computers that it has reached a new level.

It is important that you don’t let your opponent impose his style of play on you. A part of that begins mentally. At the chessboard if you start blinking every time he challenges you then in a certain sense you are withdrawing. That is very important to avoid.

In the knockout tournaments, it’s futile to prepare for a grand finale. You may have worked out many strategies for the final. But you may lose in the first round itself.

I don’t know how many calories an average chess player burns per game, but it often exceeds that of a player in ball games. It is not only the chess as such: You need to be fit and undergo complicated preparation.

My parents were very supportive of my chess. When I got home after a game of chess, having missed school or something, they always made me feel very welcome; I didn’t feel guilty at all about pursuing chess with such fervour. They never, for instance, perceived sports as a rival to academics.


