Viswanathan Anand

Date of Birth: December 11, 1969

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Viswanathan Anand, often referred to as ‘Vishy,’ is an Indian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. Born in Madras (now Chennai), India, Anand is one of the most prominent figures in the chess world. He earned his Grandmaster title in 1988, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. Anand’s mastery of rapid chess earned him the nickname “The Lightning Kid” in the early stages of his career. Over the years, he has won numerous championships and accolades, including five World Chess Championship titles (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012). Anand’s influence extends beyond the chessboard; he has played a pivotal role in popularizing the game in India and inspiring a new generation of chess players.

5 Interesting Facts about Viswanathan Anand

1. Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 at the age of 18.

2. He won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000, making him the first Indian to do so.

3. Anand was the undisputed World Chess Champion from 2007 to 2013.

4. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

5. Anand is multilingual and speaks Tamil, English, German, French, and Spanish.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Viswanathan Anand

1. “When you play against a player, it doesn’t matter whether he is a computer, a robot, or a human.”

2. “I have always thought it essential to understand the psychology of the opponent.”

3. “Chess is like a language. The top players are very fluent at it. Talent can be developed scientifically but you have to find first what you are good at.”

4. “Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.”

5. “Each move, good or bad, teaches you something about the game and yourself.”