For decades in India, chess was Anand, and Anand chess. Not any more. Thanks, in part, to Anand himself. The five-time world champion has played a role in nurturing what he calls the 'golden generation' of chess in India, and is now working on spreading the game further. Semi-retired, the 53-year-old has taken up new roles, be it as part-time commentator, FIDE deputy president or mentor to the rising teens.
In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Anand talks about this new crop of talent, his relationship with the greats of the game, how the pandemic helped grow chess globally and how India has become a superpower in world chess. Excerpts from the interview held in Chennai on August 21, the day R. Praggnanandhaa stormed into the FIDE World Cup final:
Q/Your protege, Gukesh D., has overtaken you in the FIDE live ratings. Is it a bittersweet feeling?
A/ I am surprised that it remains slightly bittersweet. It is moderated by the fact that, yes, I have worked with him. He is with us in WestBridge Anand Chess Academy. So clearly I have contributed to that. Also, a couple of years ago, I semi-retired. So, for all these reasons it doesn't really rankle or anything, but at the same time, for like 30 years you have something, you don't think of it as a temporary feature, and then suddenly to have someone solidly above-he is at least three points above me. I felt a couple of years ago it was just a matter of time, so intellectually I understood it is going to happen, but still, there is a little bit.
Q/ But you must also be proud of him.
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