Viswanathan Anand is arguably India’s greatest sports icon. The former World No. 1 has been a dominant figure on the chequered board for three decades. And the Grandmaster’s accomplishments have inspired a new generation of youngsters to take up chess. But what’s on his mind?
VISWANATHAN ANAND WILL be 50 next year. It is not the age when an Indian sportsman plies his trade as a player. Of course, the Michael Ferreiras and Manuel Aarons were not finished when they were close to Anand’s age. But then they were from a different generation. Fifty was just another number for chess greats like Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi, but again comparisions are odious when you throw Anand into the equation.
Barely a month ago, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa created a stir in chess circles when he became the second youngest Grandmaster in the world. As a 12-year-old making his mark on the world stage, especially since he is from Anand’s city, Chennai, Praggu made headlines and was instantly hailed as the next World Champion in the making, ready to take over the mantle from the great Vishy.
AGAIN THE NUMBERS started doing the rounds. Anand had become a Grandmaster when he was 18, so Praggu has a clear lead of six years on the age map. There were even suggestions that Anand could now concentrate on acting as Praggu’s second when the boy would turn the man in the World Championship cycle.
However, Anand is unique in Indian chess and sport, and his place will remain so until someone else actually usurps it. At the moment, it is not under threat. If numbers were the deciders, Pentala Harikrishna and Koneru Humpy, who became Grandmasters at the age of 15 could overtake Anand in achievements. Why, even Chennai-lad Baskaran Adhiban, who turned GM at the age of 17, could take his place.
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Sports Illustrated India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Sports Illustrated India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Beating The Odds, Twice Over
Mary Kom’s decision to launch her own boxing academy was as daunting as her road to becoming a six-time world champion.
The Next Level
Bachpan ka khel hai, Bachchon ka nahi! proclaims the Season 6 promo of Pro Kabaddi. It shows how the Leagues biggest namesPardeep Narwal, Rahul Choudhari, Deepak Hooda, Rishank Devadiga, Anup Kumar and Monu Goyathave prepared for the physical rigours of the sport. Running, squatting, lifting weights, swimming: exertion and breathless action. The message is clearits a game of alpha athletes
The Unbelievable Landmark
Kenyas Eliud Kipchoge paves the way for breaching the two-hour barrier in marathons.
On A Greener Turf
South African bowling great, Shaun Pollock, feels there’s no need to fret over the future of Proteas’ attack.
Master Of The Mind Game
Viswanathan Anand is arguably India’s greatest sports icon. The former World No. 1 has been a dominant figure on the chequered board for three decades. And the Grandmaster’s accomplishments have inspired a new generation of youngsters to take up chess. But what’s on his mind?
From Glory To Guns, Drugs And Jail
All that a sportsperson dreams of is winning medals and bringing glory to the nation. But, at times, when they can’t sustain the pace, some take to crime for survival. It is a problem that can’t be allowed to become rampant.
It's Showtime
IN THE NEVER-ENDING discussion over the relative merits of the Warriors’ dominance, former commissioner David Stern offers up a dismissive take saying, “I don’t believe in the debate about superteams because when I started there were two superteams: the Celtics and the Lakers.”
A Brand New Look - Kalinga Stadium
The world-class venue is all set to host the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.
Taking A Knee
Four-Time Olympic Champion Sanya Richardsross On Her First Brush With Racism And Why She Supports Social Rights Crusader Colin Kaepernick
Feisty Maiden
Welshwoman Becky Morgan Wins The Hero Women’s Indian Open To End An 18-Year Wait For Her First Pro Title