Viswanathan Anand Provides Update on Chess in Olympics, Blames Garry Kasparov for Delay

Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian chess player and FIDE Deputy President, has given a significant update on the long-awaited inclusion of chess in the Olympics. In a recent interview with TV9 Telugu, Anand expressed his optimism about the possibility of chess being part of the prestigious sporting event.

Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion and still an active player in the top-20 rankings, highlighted the efforts being made by the World Chess Federation to work closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make this dream a reality. He emphasized the importance of chess being recognized on such a global platform like the Olympics.

However, Anand also pointed out the hurdles that have delayed chess’s entry into the Olympics, specifically blaming Garry Kasparov and the Professional Chess Association for creating chaos in the chess world when there were two federations. Despite this setback, Anand remains hopeful that chess will eventually find its place in the Olympics, possibly even in the esports category.

India, known for its growing chess talent, has seen a surge in interest and success in the sport in recent years. With players like D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa making their mark on the international stage, the future looks bright for Indian chess.

As fans eagerly await the day when chess will be included in the Olympics, Anand’s update sheds light on the progress being made and the challenges that still lie ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.