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Happy Birthday Viswanathan Anand: While the story of Viswanathan Anand is associated with the world of chess, he started this journey as a 6-year-old child.
Viswanathan Anand with Indian chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju. (Image: chessbaseindia & vishy.mindmaster/Instagram)
Viswanathan Anand, also known as Vishy, is a name that resonates with chess prowess. The Indian grandmaster celebrates his 55th birthday today, December 11. Viswanathan was born in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu in 1969. He spent his formative years in Chennai where his passion for chess ignited. Not only is he a five-time World Chess Champion but a pioneer who has globally impacted chess.
From the achievements and landmarks he set, Viswanathan Anand has earned himself the moniker “chess god” who paved the way for generations of this game. His journey from a chess prodigy to one of the sport’s greatest icons is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Personal Background and Emergence to Fame
While the story of Viswanathan Anand is associated with the world of chess, he started this journey as a 6-year-old child. He began learning the game from his mother and proved to be a child prodigy.
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It was in 1987 when he was able to carve his name in record books as the first Indian World Junior Chess Championship. Finally, Anand emerged on the chess map of the world in 1988 as the young boy of 18 years became the Grandmaster of India.
Major Achievements
The list of Viswanathan Anand’s achievements is long, and that reflects dominance in every format:
World Chess Championships
Viswanathan Anand won the World Chess Championship five times in 2000, 2002, 2007, 2008, and 2010. Thanks to his triumph in a double round-robin tournament held in Mexico City, he became an undisputed champion in 2007.
Rating by Elo
He achieved a rating of 2817 in March 2011. He is one of only eight players ever to have surpassed the 2800 mark.
Chess World Cup
Viswanathan Anand is a two-time Chess World Cup Champion, having won it in 2000 and 2005.
Rapid Championships
He was the winner of the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in 2017, outplaying the strongest players, including Magnus Carlsen.
Multiple Tournament Wins
Viswanathan Anand has won prestigious events like Tata Steel five times, Corus three times and Linares twice.
Padma Awards
Apart from these titles, Viswanathan Anand has also been awarded Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, which are the highest civilian awards of India, for his immense contribution to Indian sports.
Influence on Chess
Viswanathan Anand’s influence goes beyond the titles because he is one of the major reasons chess has become popular in India. His success motivated many youngsters to play the game.
The growth of chess academies, as well as participation in national-level tournaments, is rooted in his success. The style of play of Anand’s creativity and speed has contributed to evolving strategies in competitive chess.
He represents chess worldwide and also has sat on the board of FIDE and has championed the game as the sport that enhances critical thinking.
Viswanathan Anand has been honoured internationally as he was elected deputy president of FIDE in 2022 making him more influential in the chess world.
Viswanathan Anand’s Legacy
The titles add that extra character to the personality of Viswanathan Anand and his approach to the game. He carries himself as an example of sportsmanship, and humility, and always progresses with the belief that defeat and victory are also important teachers.
My Best Games of Chess is an autobiography which displays the strategic thinking of the chess player through his journey in the world of chess.
