In a recent exclusive interview with JioCinema, India's legendary chess player, Vishwanathan Anand, shared his insights into the future of Indian chess and the potential for the Indian chess trio to maintain their dominance in upcoming tournaments. Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, has witnessed the evolution of the game over the years and is optimistic about the next generation of players.
During the interview, Anand reflected on the pivotal moments in his illustrious career, revealing that some of his fondest memories are intertwined with his most challenging periods. “I think both were during the period between 2006 and 2013. I wanted to reclaim my world title. I had initially won it in the knockout format but lost it the following year. For several years, the World Championship cycle felt uncertain. In 2006, I was eager to compete again, and I began my journey in 2007. I participated in various tournaments across the globe, including Mexico, Bonn, Sofia, Moscow, and finally Chennai. Those were some of the most trying times, but I now look back on that period with a lot of satisfaction,” Anand recounted.
He elaborated on the rigorous demands of training and preparation for World Championship matches, explaining, “For a World Championship match, you start several months in advance, and I was competing in one almost every year. In 2007, I played a match, then the following year in Bonn. We trained for four months in 2008, and although I took a short break in 2009, I still needed training for the next match. By the fourth or fifth match, it felt like going to the office every day.”
When discussing his proudest achievements, Anand highlighted the 2008 World Chess Championship in Bonn, where he successfully defended his title. He stated, “The World Junior Championship in Baguio was unexpected and beautiful, definitely a high point. For the World Championship, it's hard to choose between 2007 and 2008, but I’ll go with 2008 in Bonn. The best match I played was the World Rapid Championship in Riyadh in 2017, which I had thought wouldn't happen again, and then I won it. It was a remarkable moment.”
Anand's career spans multiple generations, allowing him to compete against some of the greatest players in chess history. When asked about his toughest opponents, he specifically mentioned two who left a lasting impression on him, underscoring the fierce competition he faced throughout his journey.
As he looks towards the future, Anand remains confident that the new wave of Indian chess players will continue to build on the legacy established by those before them. His insights and experiences not only highlight the challenges and triumphs of a storied career but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring chess players across the country. With Anand's endorsement, the future of Indian chess looks bright, and the potential for continued success in international competitions is stronger than ever.
