Who is my favourite chess player and why?
ABOUT MY FAVOURITE CHESS PLAYER:
My favourite chess player is Vishwanathan Anand also known as Vishy Anand .He is one of the great chess talent of all time. He is the first GM of India.
WHY HE IS MY FAVOURITE CHESS PLAYER
It was very hard for me to pick one of the GM's as my favourite but after a long thinking I choose Vishy Anand here's why
1.His Speed: Anand is known as the 'LIGHTNING KID' for his immpresive speed in blitz and bullet time format. And yes I am talking about his prime.
2.Personality: Anand is a very down to earth and humble person.His personality is one of thr major factor.
3.World Champion :Anand is the first chess World Champion from India. He made a good image of Indian chess in the world. And he also won the 2008 Chess World Championship against Vladimir Kramnik. He hold his World Championship title for 5 years(2008-2013).
4.His imapct in Indian chess: This is the point why I admire and love him a lot. A detalied analysis of Anand's imapct on Indian Chess
Viswanathan Anand is often referred to as the father of modern Indian chess — and rightly so. Before Anand emerged on the global scene, chess in India was largely a niche game, followed only by a small group of enthusiasts. Today, India is one of the top chess nations in the world, with a deep pool of grandmasters, prodigies, and a growing chess culture. Much of that change can be traced back to Anand’s rise, success, and continued presence in the chess world.
Breaking Barriers
When Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988, he shattered a psychological barrier. At that time, the idea of an Indian becoming a world-class chess player seemed distant. Anand’s success proved that it was possible. He not only opened the door but paved the way for others to follow. For Indian chess players, seeing someone who looked like them, spoke like them, and came from a similar background succeed at the highest level was a powerful motivator.
Global Recognition for Indian Chess
Anand’s rise to the top brought global attention to Indian chess. When he became the World Champion in 2000 (FIDE Knockout), and again in 2007 (undisputed title), he wasn’t just representing himself — he was carrying the aspirations of millions of Indian chess fans. With each victory, the world began to take India more seriously as a chess-playing nation. Today, Indian players are among the top in junior and senior rankings globally, and Anand's journey is a key reason behind that.
Inspiring Generations
Anand's influence goes beyond medals and trophies — he inspired an entire generation of chess players. Stars like R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and many others have cited Anand as their role model. His games are studied in Indian chess academies, and his career trajectory serves as a blueprint for young players. The fact that India has crossed 85+ Grandmasters today, with more in the making, speaks volumes of the legacy he started.
Building Chess Culture in India
Before Anand, chess in India lacked infrastructure — few tournaments, little prize money, and minimal coaching support. His success created a boom: more sponsorship, more media coverage, and the emergence of chess academies and clubs across the country. Anand also personally contributed through initiatives like the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, where he mentors the next generation of top talents.
Longevity and Adaptability
Another remarkable aspect of Anand’s career is his longevity. He has remained competitive across eras — from the days of Kasparov and Karpov to Carlsen and beyond. His adaptability, especially his willingness to embrace computer preparation, changed how Indian players approached training. Young Indian talents now grow up learning from his games and methods, blending traditional skill with modern preparation.
Cultural Icon
In India, Anand is more than just a sportsman — he’s a cultural icon. He's received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, and is regularly featured in interviews, chess promotions, and public events. He’s brought chess into the mainstream, making it accessible and appealing to people who may have never considered it before.
A Mentor and Ambassador
Even after his peak competitive years, Anand continues to play an ambassadorial role for Indian chess. His mentorship and guidance, especially to upcoming talents, shows his commitment to giving back. He also uses his voice to promote chess at grassroots levels, appearing in school initiatives, commentary, and chess streaming events, helping chess become both a competitive and recreational pursuit in India.
