Viswanathan Anand: The Godfather of India’s Emerging Chess Stars Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa

This month, some of the brightest stars of Indian chess gathered at Viswanathan Anand’s home in Chennai for a special occasion. The scene resembled a superhero gathering, with numerous grandmasters like Sandipan Chanda, Vidit Gujrathi, and Gukesh present.

Instead of strategizing over chess moves, they enjoyed a sunny morning filled with laughter and a delicious South Indian breakfast of dosa, vada, and idli. The focus was on fun and camaraderie, far away from the intense battles on the chessboard.

During the gathering, there was a traditional ceremony honoring Vidit and his fiancée, Dr. Nidhi Kataria, arranged by Anand’s wife, Aruna. Activities included playful games, a scavenger hunt for missing chess pieces, and the group even recreated a popular dance video, showcasing their lighter side.

This fun-filled afternoon evokes memories of a previous breakfast hosted by Anand and Aruna, where they welcomed India’s chess talent before important competitions. Anand has become a nurturing figure in the chess world, guiding many young players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali through his academy, the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA).

WACA draws inspiration from the famous Botvinnik Chess School, where legends like Garry Kasparov were trained. Anand has brought in top coaches from around the globe to provide specialized training, aiding young talents in their chess journeys.

He has also been a source of support during tough times. After Gukesh had a heartbreaking loss at the Olympiad, Anand spent time with him, helping lift his spirits through encouraging conversations and some fun activities.

With chess being a solitary sport, Anand’s role as a mentor shines brighter. He goes beyond his own chess commitments, investing his time and energy into developing the next generation of players. This initiative fosters a sense of community that is often rare in the competitive world of chess.

While rivalry exists among players, there’s also a mutual respect that Anand has cultivated. These young players, inspired by Anand’s positive spirit, balance professional competition with friendship, showing that kindness and competitiveness can coexist.

In a sport where many often fight alone, Anand’s efforts are making a difference. Instead of a cold, individualistic environment, he’s helping create a warm community of players who support one another on and off the board.

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