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?

- Harry Padiyath

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.