IN the first week of October, Viswanathan Anand will swap his suits for playing gear as he takes part for Ganges Grandmasters in the second edition of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League.
Over the last few years, the five-time world champion has slowly winded down his playing activities and has started to play more of an administerial role (he's the deputy president of FIDE, the world governing body).
In an interaction with this daily, the 54-year-old speaks on why the 2024 edition of the GCL, why he wasn't tempted to play in the Olympiad, the Indian teams' chances at Budapest and the battle between D Gukesh and Ding Liren. Excerpts:
On the second edition of the Global Chess League
Teams have been a reshuffled a bit and I'm very excited. Just looking forward, trying to get ready. It was pleasant experience to play (in it) last year. There was a new vibe, from the presentation of the players to the entry and the way the games were staged. Everything was dynamic and interesting from a players' point of view and from a spectators point of view. It contributed to a very good atmosphere. I think there are many disappointed teams from season 1 and Ganges is one of them. Two days before the end, we thought we had qualified and it was only a question of who we were going to face in the final. Suddenly, we fell to third or fourth. So obviously we have that to correct.
On regrets if a tournament like this wasn't there during his teens or 20s
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2024-Ausgabe von The New Indian Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2024-Ausgabe von The New Indian Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
When words overpower feeling
IN Viduthalai Part 2, a film that leans more on thought than emotion, more on words than feelings, my favourite portion is a brief, tender exchange between Perumal (Vijay Sethupathi) and Mahalakshmi (Manju Warrier).
Roars as an ascension story but mews as a moving drama
The story of a reluctant leader rising to power is always a charming idea. One of the most iconic animated characters, Mufasa, seems tailor-made for such an idea. However, Mufasa: The Lion King is hit-and-miss, lacking emotional depth.
MELODIES OF MEMORIES
A decade since his debut album, Kaber Vasuki recounts his journey, an artiste's role as a healer, and the need to be authentic
ADDRESSING THE PIGEON IN THE ROOM
JUST look outside your window.
The art of stories in motion
IN a world that's always in a hurry, we rarely stop to notice the stories in an old temple pillar, the quiet message in a painting, or the feelings tucked into a line of poetry. Art asks us to slow down, take a breath, and reconnect with the things that make us human. For Bharatanatyam exponent Lakshmi Ramaswamy, this is what her forthcoming performances aim to achieve.
BRIDGED BY MUSIC
The famed Kodambakkam overbridge and the Doraiswamy Subway that have carried loads of Carnatic rasikas towards RK Salai (Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, etc.) or T Nagar (Vani Mahal, Krishna Gana Sabha, etc.) for many years may feel relieved due to some unloading, thanks to SASTRA Satsangh's foray into the multi-dimensional space of Art & Culture.
Brison double helps Goa sink toppers Bagan
FC GOA extended their unbeaten streak to seven games with a 2-1 win over league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Friday.
'HIL revival a big boost for youth'
THERE is something about PR Sreejesh. He is always ebullient, seems at peace with himself and more than anything, he is shrouded in an aura of positivity. Always cheerful and articulate, Sreejesh speaks his mind. During a short conversation, he felt that his stint as coach of the junior team had been fantastic.
Konstas in, McSweeney dropped
TEENAGE sensation Sam Konstas was handed a maiden call-up as Australia on Friday dropped rookie opener Nathan McSweeney for the final two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
Odisha's tribal lifter Jyoshna shatters youth Asian record
JYOSHNA Sabar created a youth Asian record for total lift at the ongoing Asian Youth Weightlifting Championships in Doha on Friday.
