Viswanathan Anand: Transitioning from World Champion Competitor to Mentor and Sports Administrator

Chess icon Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, is slowly transitioning from a world-class competitor to a mentor-cum-sports administrator. Anand, who has played a significant role in shaping the current crop of Indian players, believes that the young talent in India has turned out to be “great” in grabbing crucial opportunities.

The 54-year-old is set to make a rare competitive appearance at the Tech-Mahnindra Global Chess League in London next month as part of the Ganges Grandmasters team. In an interview with PTI, Anand shared his thoughts on India’s chances at the Chess Olympiad, the golden generation of young players he has helped groom, and his own plans for the future.

Anand is widely credited for shaping players like D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and R Vaishali, who will be competing at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. He believes that the current generation of players is more successful in grabbing opportunities compared to the previous generation.

Anand also expressed his hope for chess to be included in the Olympics in the coming years, citing its international presence and rich history. As a deputy President of FIDE, chess’ world governing body, Anand is working towards promoting the sport on a global scale.

Semi-retired from competitive play, Anand is looking forward to his upcoming GCL stint and hopes to compete in the Leon Masters in Spain next year. He describes his transition from a player to an administrator as “fascinating” and is pacing himself as he gradually moves into this new phase of his career.