Viswanathan Anand, fondly known as “Vishy,” is a name that resonates with excellence and mastery in chess. Born on December 11, 1969, in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, Anand’s remarkable journey from a young chess prodigy to a five-time World Chess Champion has earned him a place in the annals of sports history. His contribution to Indian chess and his stature as a global chess icon make him one of the most respected figures in the game. Viswanathan Anand, The Maestro of Indian Chess, has inspired countless enthusiasts with his strategic brilliance and unparalleled achievements in the world of chess.
Early Life and Introduction to Chess
Anand’s tryst with chess began at a young age, thanks to the encouragement of his mother, Susheela Viswanathan, who introduced him to the game when he was six years old. still, he learned the game’s intricacies in Manila, where he lived with his parents from 1978 through the 1980s while his father was contracted as a consultant by the Philippine National Railways. Growing up in Chennai (then Madras), a city with a rich chess culture, Anand quickly showed signs of being a child prodigy. His lightning-fast calculation and ability to play at incredible speeds earned him the nickname “Lightning Kid.”
On December 11, 1969, in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India, Viswanathan Anand was born. Later on, he relocated to Chennai, his childhood home. His mother, Sushila, was a housewife, an avid chess player, and a well-known socialite. His father, Krishnamurthy Viswanathan, was a general manager in the Southern Railways and had attended school in Jamalpur, Bihar.
Anand won the National Sub-Junior Chess Championship at 14 and became the youngest Indian International Master at 15 in 1985. This set the stage for his ascent in the international chess arena.
Personal Life
Anand completed his education at Chennai’s Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School and graduated from Loyola College with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. Anand and Aruna married in 1996 and welcomed their son, Anand Akhil, on April 9, 2011. He is known for his humility and down-to-earth personality. Despite his international fame, Anand remains approachable and grounded, often praising his competitors and acknowledging his family’s role in his success. He lives in Chennai with his wife Aruna and son Akhil.
The Rise to Grandmaster
Anand’s breakthrough on the global stage came when he won the World Junior Chess Championship in 1987, becoming the first Indian to claim the prestigious title. In 1988, at the age of 18, Anand became India’s first Grandmaster, a monumental achievement for Indian chess. Anand’s success brought chess into the spotlight in India, inspiring a new generation of players and elevating the sport’s status. He defeated Russian grandmaster Efim Geller in this tournament, which was one of his most noteworthy achievements. At eighteen, he received the Padma Shri.
Anand qualified for his first Candidates Tournament in the 1993 World Chess Championship cycle. He won his opening match but lost his quarterfinal match to 1990 runner-up Anatoly Karpov by a narrow margin.
Anand and Gata Kamsky dominated the world championship qualifying cycles in 1994–1995 for the competing FIDE and PCA series. Anand trailed Kamsky in his second round (candidates semifinal) match in the FIDE cycle. Karpov defeated Kamsky in the FIDE championship match of 1996.
Anand won all of his matches in the 1995 PCA cycle, including those against Michael Adams and Oleg Romanishin. He then defeated Kamsky in the Candidates final to exact revenge for his FIDE defeat. Anand faced Kasparov in the 1995 PCA World Chess Championship at the World Trade Center in New York City. Anand won game nine with a strong exchange sacrifice following an opening run of eight draws, which held the record for the first five games of a world championship match until November 21, 2018. However, Anand lost the next four games. The score was 10½-7½ for him.
Karpov, the current champion, received a direct seeding into the final of the 1998 FIDE cycle, where he would face the winner of the seven-round single-elimination Candidates tournament. Due to the considerable controversy that surrounded Karpov’s decision and the psychological and physical advantage he gained, Kramnik withdrew from the competition. After defeating Adams in the tournament final, Anand went straight to the championship match to face Karpov. Despite being ‘brought in a coffin’ to play Karpov, Anand ended the regular match 3–3, but Karpov won the quick playoff 2-0. Thus, Karpov continued to be the FIDE champion.
World Chess Champion
Anand’s most significant achievements came in the form of his World Chess Championship victories. He won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. Anand’s calm demeanor and ability to handle intense pressure made him a formidable opponent in world championships.
He went on to win the World Chess Championship five times in total (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012), cementing his place among the greatest chess players in history. His victories in both classical and rapid formats demonstrated his versatility, as he excelled in different time controls.
Anand’s win in 2007 was particularly notable because he won the championship in a double round-robin tournament format, proving his consistency and stamina. In 2008, Anand defended his title by defeating Vladimir Kramnik in a match remembered for his strategic brilliance, especially in the 1.d4 opening games.
Playing Style and Contribution to Chess
Anand’s deep opening preparation, tactical precision, and ability to adapt to various game formats characterize his style of play. His rapid calculation and his comfort in both positional and tactical games make him a complete player. Anand’s success in rapid chess tournaments, including multiple world titles, demonstrates his quick thinking and ability to excel under time pressure.
Anand’s influence on Indian chess is profound. Before Anand’s rise, India didn’t widely follow chess. His success led to a chess boom, inspiring countless young players to take up the game. Players like Pentala Harikrishna, Vidit Gujrathi, and R. Praggnanandhaa have often cited Anand as their inspiration.
Honors and Awards
Numerous prestigious awards have recognized Viswanathan Anand’s achievements. Anand’s influence extends beyond his titles and awards. He has inspired a generation of Indian chess players and has been a pivotal figure in popularizing chess in India. In 2022, people elected him as the deputy president of FIDE, the international chess federation.
- Arjuna Award for Outstanding Indian Sportsperson in Chess in 1985.
- Padma Shri – The fourth highest civilian award awarded by the Government of India in 1988.
- The inaugural Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor in the years 1991–1992.
- Padma Bhushan – Third highest civilian award awarded by the Government of India in 2001.
- Padma Vibhushan – Second highest civilian award awarded by the Government of India in 2008.
Legacy and Later Career
Even after relinquishing his World Champion title in 2013 to Magnus Carlsen, Anand remained highly competitive in the world of chess. He continued to participate in elite tournaments, frequently finishing at the top. His longevity in the sport and ability to remain competitive against younger opponents has earned him immense respect in the chess community.
Beyond his own achievements, Anand has contributed to the promotion of chess globally. He has mentored younger players, participated in numerous chess exhibitions, and worked to promote the game through various initiatives.
Anand’s Impact on Indian Chess
Anand’s success has changed the landscape of chess in India. The country now boasts a thriving chess scene, with numerous grandmasters and young talents emerging on the world stage. His victories made chess a serious sport in India, with increased funding, support, and participation. His influence is profound.
With online chess platforms rising, Anand stays relevant and popular among old and new generations of chess fans. His legacy endures, calm, analytical approach inspires chess players and individuals across fields who admire his intellect and discipline. His game strategy is a beacon of inspiration.
Important Facts About Viswanathan Anand
- India’s First Chess Grandmaster: Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 at the age of 18.
- Five-time World Chess Champion: Anand won the World Chess Championship five times (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012), cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in chess history.
- First Asian World Chess Champion: He was the first player from Asia to win the World Chess Championship in 2000.
- Known for Versatility: Anand is renowned for his prowess in all formats of the game—classical, rapid, and blitz chess.
- “Lightning Kid”: Early in his career, Anand was nicknamed “Lightning Kid” due to his rapid speed of play, particularly in faster time formats.
- Rapid Chess Expertise: Anand is one of the best rapid chess players in history, winning multiple World Rapid Chess Championships.
- Multiple Padma Awards: Anand has received the Padma Shri (1987), Padma Bhushan (2000), and Padma Vibhushan (2007), one of India’s highest civilian honors.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: He was the first recipient of India’s highest sports honor, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, in 1991-92.
- Global Ambassador for Chess: Anand has promoted chess globally through exhibitions, mentorship, and various initiatives, helping popularize the sport in India and worldwide.
- Fluent in Multiple Languages: Anand is fluent in English, Tamil, Spanish, and German, reflecting his global influence and presence in the chess world.
- Defeated Top Players: Throughout his career, Anand has defeated other legendary players like Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, and Magnus Carlsen.
- Mentor to Young Indian Chess Talents: Anand has mentored the next generation of Indian chess prodigies, including Pentala Harikrishna, Vidit Gujrathi, and R. Praggnanandhaa.
- First Undisputed World Champion in a Tournament Format: In 2007, Anand won the World Chess Championship in a tournament format, which was the first of its kind since the split in the chess world in 1993.
- Multiple Chess “Oscars”: Anand has won the Chess Oscar (given to the best player of the year) six times, in 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2008.
- Author and Chess Ambassador: Anand has authored a book, “Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life,“ where he reflects on his career and life lessons from chess.
Conclusion
Viswanathan Anand’s contribution to the world of chess is unparalleled. He is not only a trailblazer for Indian chess but also one of the greatest chess players of all time. His legacy continues to inspire millions of chess enthusiasts in India and across the globe. As a five-time World Champion and a true ambassador of the sport, Anand’s name will always be remembered in chess history.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Viswanathan Anand, also known as “Vishy,” is an Indian chess Grandmaster and former five-time World Chess Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time and a pioneer of the game in India.
Anand became India’s first chess Grandmaster in 1988 at the age of 18 after winning the World Junior Chess Championship in 1987.
Anand is known for his rapid playing style, earning him the nickname “Lightning Kid.” He is celebrated for his strategic brilliance and quick thinking.
Viswanathan Anand has won the World Chess Championship five times: in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Anand has received numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan (2008), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Shri (1988), and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (1991-1992), India’s highest sporting honor.
Anand has been involved in mentoring younger players, promoting chess globally through exhibitions, and participating in various chess-related initiatives. He remains an ambassador for the sport, contributing to its development worldwide.
Yes, Viswanathan Anand has written and co-authored books on chess, including “Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life,” where he shares insights into his career and lessons on life and chess.
Anand earned the nickname “Lightning Kid” due to his ability to play at incredible speed and his proficiency in rapid chess games, where time control is limited.