In the realm of chess, few names shine as brightly as Viswanathan Anand. The five-time world champion has not only conquered the sport but has also become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players across India. Even a decade after his last World Championship title, Anand continues to make all the right moves, shaping the future of Indian chess as a mentor and guiding force.
The Magnetic Presence of Anand
At the 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore, Anand’s presence has been nothing short of magnetic. Fans and admirers, young and old, have flocked to catch a glimpse of the chess legend. Be it during his simultaneous exhibitions or his insightful commentary, Anand has been the star attraction, overshadowing even the championship contenders, Ding Liren and Dommaraju Gukesh.
Everyone wanted a piece of Anand. When he was playing ten simultaneous games, the fanzone was packed. Fans just wanted a picture with him, from any angle, from any distance.
– An observer at the World Chess Championship
Anand’s influence extends far beyond his own accomplishments. Through the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy (WACA), he has been actively nurturing and supporting India’s rising chess stars, including prodigies like Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, R Vaishali, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi. Anand’s vision for WACA is to create an ecosystem that fosters the growth of elite chess talent in India.
Identifying and Nurturing Talent
Anand’s keen eye for talent has been instrumental in spotting promising young players. He actively scouts for prodigies by analyzing their games and inviting them to join WACA’s training programs. Anand’s hands-on approach and guidance have been invaluable for these rising stars as they navigate the challenging world of professional chess.
Slowly I’m talking to lots of other trainers and coaches. They may say he or she is promising, and then we invite them to join the classes and we go from there.
– Viswanathan Anand on identifying promising talents
The Gukesh-Gajewski Partnership
One of Anand’s most significant contributions has been the creation of the formidable Gukesh-Gajewski partnership. Recognizing Gukesh’s immense potential, Anand handpicked Grzegorz Gajewski to be the young prodigy’s full-time coach. This strategic move has paid off, with Gukesh’s meteoric rise to become the challenger for the world championship.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Anand’s mentorship extends beyond just Gukesh. He actively engages with other young talents, offering guidance and support during critical phases of their careers. For instance, when R Praggnanandhaa faced a rough patch in his performance, Anand stepped in to analyze his games and provide valuable insights to help the young grandmaster get back on track.
We have discussed about my chess, and the areas I should work on. Ramesh sir is speaking with Anand sir to see what he thinks about my game, and see where I’m not doing well. Anand sir has been giving some suggestions and we have been discussing about it.
– R Praggnanandhaa on Anand’s mentorship
The Future of Indian Chess
Anand’s vision for Indian chess extends far beyond the current crop of prodigies. He is determined to create a sustainable ecosystem that continuously produces elite chess talents. Through WACA and his personal involvement, Anand is ensuring that the conveyor belt of Indian chess remains robust and vibrant.
Incredible efforts done by Vishy to make sure that the young generation can improve, and really show their maximum potential. It’s so nice to see. It’s fantastic.
– GM Peter Leko on Anand’s contributions
As Indian chess continues to rise in prominence, with talents like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and others making their mark on the global stage, Anand’s role as a mentor and inspiring figure cannot be overstated. He is not just a spiritual inspiration but a hands-on guide, shaping the future of the sport in India.
Viswanathan Anand’s legacy extends beyond his own remarkable achievements. As the godfather of Indian chess, he is nurturing a new generation of prodigies, ensuring that India remains a powerhouse in the world of chess for years to come. With Anand’s guidance and unwavering support, the future of Indian chess shines brighter than ever before.
