The Untold Story of Vishwanathan Anand. Review on Vishwanathan Anand

If I say, Vishwanathan anand is one of my all time favorite sports Icons, it would be a cruise understatement. I’ve prepared this write-up from my memories of Anand -- As a player, as a person and as a great ambassador of Indian sports (across the globe). And Hence, I'm not going to nitpick the minute highlights of his career; the statistics, the awards and so forth. This is The untold story of Legendary Vishwanathan Anand.

Anand learned to play chess from his mother at the age of six. He was a childhood prodigy and like any other player, was a product of his generation. He inculcated the passion for the game from the late Sir. Bobby Fischer; Who according to him is the greatest chess player of all time. The American’s cool, calm and composed approach to the game triggered the genius in Anand; resulting in the inception of one of the most iconic sporting legends of all time.

His career began in early 1980’s at the national level championships in India. For an amateur, young Anand’s brain proved too fast (and furious) for junior level players in India as he tasted success in one tournament after another. He became India’s first grandmaster in 1988 and was awarded Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 1991-92. Anand’s popularity slowly took off when he became professional, in the early 90’s. Yes, the same period when Sachin Tendulkar started playing …........(You know what..?)

Unlike Tendulkar, Anand didn't have the liberty of "being in the news". We all know Tendulkar, the kind of impact he made. For example : -Tendulkar scores a century he is in the news, Tendulkar gets a duck (then also) he is in the news. Tendulkar is playing he is in the news, he's out injured then also he's in the news. In short Sachin Tendulkar’s big booming straight drives had long lasting impact than Anand’s rapid fire moves. The fact that Anand was playing chess; one of the least popular games in India didn’t help one bit. But that doesn't dissappoint this soft spoken Brahmin from Tamil Nadu. Because for him being in the news is like being in politics -- So much of exposure, so much of promise but ‘no real benefit or no real outcome'.

Like all great players of the game, Anand also crafted his own style. He is considered to be one of the most versatile chess players of all times. He has the ability to counter attack, defend, play rapid fire and even the long, boring & tiring 'Stalemates' is a piece of cake for Vishy. He created firestorms in the country when he beat Garry Kasparov, the reigning world champion, in 1995. Apparently back in the day, Garry challenged Anand to play in the Swiss rapid Grand Prix. The media termed it “The clash of the titans” as the two greats faces off each other.

Kasparov was arrogant, over-confident and was legendary for his infamous mind games; a tactic he used to outsmart his opponents. He will make some cheeky remarks on his opponents, before and after every game. Garry quoted “For me Anand is just an overrated player. He is lazy and makes foolish moves”. Anand kept quiet and proved what it takes to be a winner. He put all his efforts in to the chessboard, and attacked Garry from left, right and centre. Garry had no answers to this rampage (something he hasn’t entertained for a long, long time) resulting in one of the most talked about upsets in chess history. After the game Garry broke the ice and congratulated Anand (on a well deserved title). “I thought I won the game. I even had his Queen in my bag. I had the game in my grasp until the last 5 five minutes when it slipped away right at the end. This boy from India is a genius”

Garry learned his lessons but Anand (consoled him) by dedicating his success to God and to Good fortune. As always he ended the game with a smile -- “I was lucky. Garry is one of the greats of the game. I feel privileged to have played against him and I look forward for many battles in the years to come.” This indicated that Anand – Not only he is a great player but also thorough gentleman of the game.

Anand never looked back since then and the rest as we know is history. He won his first major silverware in 2000, after defeating Alexei Shirov 3½–0½ in the final match held at Tehran. Anand again won the title in 2007 making him the #1 ranked chess player (in FIDE rankings), a position he held for a period of 1 year. In the same year, Anand won the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award. (First sportsperson to win it). He defended his title in 2008, 2010 and now by winning it in 2012 he completed a 5 time championship success.

Eventhough the whole country is celebrating his success; he is not without his critics. That's because, Garry Kasparov have finally broke his silence by coming up with the same old criticisms. On June 2012, Garry cheekily remarked “Anand has gone lazy and despite his championship win, it won’t be soon for him to retire from the game”. Is kasparov right..? (Maybe yes, maybe not ) Only time will tell. But for all of us back home Anand is and always will be undisputed champion of chess.

Above all else, Anand's greatest achievement for me lies in the kind impact he made. He has definitely sparked off new following (and love) for the game of chess among the cricket loving demography. To the rising talents of India his advice is simple: - "Just keep playing, Just keep practicising and Just keep enjoying"

A time will come when Anand will have to call it quits. And I’m sure that as and when he does, discussions will start, questions will be raised, seminars will being conducted, and speculations will put forth. That, After all who is the greatest player of all time..? Is it Fischer, Is it Kasparov or is it the genius mastermind from south India. My answer is obvious-- His name itself depicts a world champion in him. He is “Vishwa” “Nathan” “Anand” -- And his legacy will be remembered for generations to come..! Thank you very much.