Viswanathan Anand Honored with SJFI Medal at Madras Cricket Club Ceremony
Viswanathan Anand Honored with SJFI Medal at Star-Studded Ceremony
Chennai, June 24, 2026 — In a celebration of excellence in sports, five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand was awarded the prestigious ‘SJFI Medal’ by the Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI) at a glittering ceremony held at the Madras Cricket Club on Wednesday. The event, organized in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association (TNSJA), brought together a host of sports luminaries to honor Anand’s remarkable contributions to chess.
Anand, who currently serves as the deputy president of FIDE, joins an illustrious list of past recipients that includes cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, tennis star Vijay Amritraj, badminton icon Prakash Padukone, athletics champion P.T. Usha, and the late Milkha Singh. The medal was presented to the 56-year-old Grandmaster by former Indian cricket captain and 1983 World Cup hero K. Srikkanth.
In his acceptance speech, Anand expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am proud in a way to have been a catalyst for the growth of chess in India. This recognition from my peers is special because it acknowledges real achievements and contributions.” His words resonated with the audience, reflecting the deep respect he commands in the sports community.
Srikkanth, known for his humor, shared a light-hearted anecdote from the past: “Way back in 1985 or 1986, I played chess with Anand, and that is my claim to fame. As usual, I got knocked out in five or six moves, but that is fine. Being the world champion in an individual sport… just imagine. He deserves a standing ovation.” The crowd erupted in applause, honoring Anand’s legendary status.
The event also featured remarks from Olympic gold-winning hockey captain V. Baskaran, who praised the SJFI for its commitment to promoting sports in India. Veteran journalist R. Mohan read the citation that accompanied the medal, highlighting Anand’s significant impact on the chess landscape.
SJFI president Saraju Chakraborty welcomed attendees, while secretary V. Ramesh proposed the vote of thanks, rounding off an evening filled with camaraderie and celebration of sporting excellence. The ceremony was attended by other notable figures, including Grandmasters K. Sasikiran and Shyam Sundar, International Masters Manuel Aaron and V. Saravanan, and former hockey player Mohammed Riaz.
As Anand continues to inspire future generations of chess players, this recognition serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of sports.