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India's historic triumph at the Chess Olympiad, with both the men's and women's teams securing their first-ever titles, has sparked a wave of excitement and optimism for the future of chess in the country. However, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand cautions that while this is a promising start, there is still much work to be done, particularly in promoting women's chess.Anand, who has been a mentor and inspiration to the current generation of Indian chess prodigies, believes that the Olympiad victory will inspire more girls to take up the game. "It's a very good beginning, but we must continuously keep progressing," he said. "We need to get more and more girls to play, and this result will hopefully inspire them."While the men's game has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, with young talents like R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh making waves on the world stage, the women's game has lagged behind. Anand emphasizes the importance of supporting players at all levels and creating opportunities for them to compete."We need to grow the game and increase the base of the pyramid," he said. "Events like the Global Chess League play a big part in that because they give a lot of people opportunities. Unexpectedly, you might play a much bigger role than you expected. Teams victory, all these things will boost."Anand also warns that other countries will be analyzing India's performance and returning stronger. "Every country goes back and learns lessons," he said. "The other teams will take their disappointment, they'll go back and they'll come back stronger."To maintain India's recent success in chess, Anand believes that it is crucial to tap into the talent at the grassroots level. "We want many more things like this to happen," he said. "We need to support players at all levels and create opportunities for them to compete."

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has welcomed Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin to the world of chess, as Ashwin becomes a co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League (GCL).Ashwin's entry into chess has been met with enthusiasm by Anand, who shared a heartfelt message on social media. "Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on your exciting new venture into the world of chess! As someone who has bowled out the best in cricket, I'm sure you'll bring the same competitive spirit to the Global Chess League with the American Gambits," Anand wrote.The GCL, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is set to hold its second edition in London from October 3 to 12. The American Gambits, owned by Ashwin, Prachura PP, and Venkat K Narayana, will replace Chingari Gulf Titans in the league.Ashwin expressed his excitement about joining the chess world. "We're thrilled to introduce the American Gambits to the chess world. With a blend of strategic brilliance and unwavering determination, our team aims to redefine the game," he said.The GCL features a unique joint team format, with each team consisting of six players, including two top women chess players and a prodigy player. The teams will compete in a double round-robin format, with the top two sides advancing to the final round.The league's CEO, Sameer Pathak, expressed his delight at welcoming the teams for the second season. "We have found the right partners to strengthen the league's global reach and look forward to bringing an exciting season of chess to fans worldwide," he said.The GCL's innovative format and the participation of renowned players like Ashwin are expected to generate significant interest among chess enthusiasts worldwide. The league will be aired on major OTT and broadcast platforms, further expanding its reach.

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has once again proven his dominance in the chess world by securing his 10th Leon Masters title in Leon, Spain. The 54-year-old Indian chess legend defeated Spaniard Jaime Santos Latasa 3-1 in the finals, showcasing his exceptional skills and strategic prowess.Anand's victory marks a remarkable milestone in his illustrious career, as he has now won the Leon Masters more times than any other player. The tournament, which featured four players, provided a challenging test for Anand, who faced off against his compatriot Arjun Erigaise, the world number four, and Bulgarian Veselin Topalov.The format of the tournament consisted of four games of 20 minutes each, with a 10-second increment after every move. Anand's path to victory was not without its challenges. In the second semifinal, Erigaise suffered a surprising defeat to Santos Latasa, setting up a thrilling final between Anand and the Spaniard.In the first game of the final, Santos Latasa pushed Anand hard, but the Indian maestro held his ground. The second game ended in a draw, with Santos Latasa holding an extra pawn in a complex position. However, Anand's brilliance shone through in the third game, where he outplayed his opponent with black pieces out of an Italian opening.The technical genius of Anand was evident as he created problems for Santos Latasa that proved increasingly difficult to solve. The game lasted 45 moves, with Anand securing a crucial victory. In the final game, Santos Latasa faced the daunting task of winning on demand as black. Anand seized the initiative early on, trading the Queens out of a Rossolimo opening and securing a fine position.Despite Santos Latasa's attempts to create complications, Anand remained determined and closed out the game in 37 moves, securing his 10th Leon Masters title. Anand's victory is a testament to his enduring skill and strategic brilliance, solidifying his status as one of the greatest chess players of all time.

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name in history as the youngest challenger to the world title after his triumph at the prestigious Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. The 17-year-old is the first Indian since the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the tournament, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Gukesh's father, Dr. Rajinikanth, a surgeon by profession, made a bold decision to quit his practice to support his son's chess aspirations. This risky move, initially met with opposition from family, has now borne fruit. "It was a tense moment as the game was fluctuating," Rajinikanth recalled about the decisive tie. "We were not sure about the result and felt that he should better prepare for the tiebreaks next day."However, fate had a different plan. The organizer informed Rajinikanth that the match was over, much to their surprise. "There was a 15-minute delay in broadcast so we weren't aware of the situation," he added.Gukesh's victory has not only brought him international acclaim but has also inspired young chess players in Tamil Nadu. The legendary Viswanathan Anand, a role model for Gukesh, has played a significant role in fostering the chess culture in the state.Upon his return from Toronto, Gukesh received a rousing reception from fans at the Chennai airport. Hundreds of students from his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, lined up to greet the champion. "I feel very happy for this homecoming, this is a special achievement," Gukesh said. "I was in a good space since the beginning of the tournament, I had full confidence that I will emerge top in this tournament and luck was on my side as well."Gukesh's triumph is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. It is a moment of pride for India and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players around the world.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Makes History, Becomes Youngest Challenger to World Chess TitleIndian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title. The 17-year-old Grandmaster from Chennai scripted history on Monday by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, Canada.Gukesh's triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He played out an easy draw with American Hikaru Nakamura in the 14th and final round to finish with an impressive nine points out of a possible 14. This remarkable achievement has shattered the record previously held by legendary Russian Grandmaster Garry Kasparov for 40 years.Kasparov, who held the No.1 ranking from 1984 until his retirement in 2005, was bowled over by Gukesh's historic feat. He hailed it as an "Indian earthquake in Toronto" and a sign of the shifting power dynamics in world chess. Kasparov also credited former world no.1 Viswanathan Anand for Gukesh's success, saying, "The 'children' of Vishy Anand are on the loose!"Gukesh's victory is a major milestone for Indian chess. He is only the second Indian after Anand to win the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Anand's triumph came in 2014, when he was 44 years old.Gukesh's journey to the top has been marked by hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. He became a Grandmaster at the age of 12, making him the second-youngest Indian to achieve the title.Gukesh's victory has sent shockwaves through the chess world. He is now set to face Chinese champion Ding Liren in a match for the world title. The match is expected to be a thrilling battle between two of the most talented players in the game.

Viswanathan Anand's remarkable victory at the 2014 Candidates Tournament stands as a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. After a crushing defeat to Magnus Carlsen in the 2013 World Championship, Anand faced doubts and skepticism about his ability to compete at the highest level.Despite his initial reluctance, Anand was persuaded by Vladimir Kramnik to participate in the Candidates. With minimal preparation, he entered the tournament as an underdog. However, Anand's detached mindset and low expectations proved to be his secret weapon.In the first round, he stunned tournament favorite Levon Aronian, setting the tone for his dominant performance. Anand remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing his victory with a round to spare. His triumph earned him a rematch against Carlsen, although he ultimately fell short in the World Championship.Anand's 2014 Candidates victory is widely regarded as one of his greatest achievements. It showcased his ability to overcome adversity and regain his peak form. His legacy continues to inspire Indian chess players, as evidenced by the recent success of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Humpy at the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

The Candidates Tournament, a prestigious chess event that determines the challenger for the World Championship, has reached its halfway point with an Indian teenager, Gukesh D, sharing the lead. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the transformative impact of Viswanathan Anand, India's first chess superstar.Thirty-three years ago, Anand's victory in the Candidates match against Soviet player Alexsey Dreev shattered the notion that an Indian could break into the elite chess world. His success inspired a generation of Indian players, including Dibyendu Barua, who became India's second Grandmaster.In 1994-95, India hosted the Candidates quarterfinals and semifinals in Sanghinagar, Hyderabad. Anand faced Soviet-born American GM Kamsky in the quarterfinals and held a comfortable lead. However, Kamsky staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next two games and the two rapid playoff games to defeat Anand.Despite this setback, Anand's journey continued. He avenged his defeat against Kamsky in the PCA Candidates tournament final and qualified for his first World Championship against Garry Kasparov in 1995. His first World Championship title arrived in 2000, and he went on to become world champion four more times.Anand's success has inspired a new generation of Indian chess players, including Gukesh D, Vidit Gujrathi, and Praggnanandhaa R. These young players are now making their mark on the world stage, sharing the lead in the Candidates Tournament and dreaming of following in Anand's footsteps.

Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian chess grandmaster, recently showcased his wit and love for chess on social media. On Friday, he posted a humorous plea on Twitter, claiming to be kidnapped by chess players Alexandra Botez and Andrea Botez."At the Airport! My Kidnappers, let me go. @alexandrabotez @itsandreabotez," Anand tweeted.The post initially raised concerns among fans, but Anand quickly clarified that it was a joke related to a chess move."Alexandra Botez told me I had to solve a chess position to win my freedom. Andrea asked what Black should play in this position. I told her Kd5, and they let me go," Anand explained in a subsequent tweet.He further elaborated, "Since this is a race, black should play Kd5 Slowing the white king march to the Queen side. And a quicker hostage release!"Anand's post highlights his playful nature and his ability to connect with chess enthusiasts on a personal level. It also demonstrates the growing popularity of chess, particularly among younger generations.In recent years, Anand has been vocal about the golden era of Indian chess. He has praised the exceptional talent and achievements of young Indian chess players, who have consistently performed at the highest levels."I'm throwing in the title early, but they are a golden generation. They are all in the 2,700-plus group (Elo rating). And they're all under 20. That just does not happen; it's really something special," Anand said.Anand's passion for chess extends beyond the board. He recently attended Lollapalooza 2024, where he was spotted enthusiastically singing along to Sting's performance of "Roxanne.""When I was very young, songs like 'Every Breath You Take' and 'Roxanne' by The Police made a huge impression on me. Fast forward to now, and I can say I know most of their songs and Sting's solo albums as well. They've been a constant on my playlist over the years," Anand shared on social media.Viswanathan Anand's contributions to chess and his ability to inspire young players make him a true legend of the sport. His recent social media posts showcase his humor, passion, and the enduring appeal of chess.