The Life Of The Great Indian Chess Player Anand

Viswanathan Anand: Know all about the Indian chess legend.

Viswanathan Anand, India’s first Grandmaster since 1988, has influenced many people during his chess career. He has five world championship titles and continues to work with young athletes. His accomplishments and unassuming demeanour have aided chess’s growth in India. Anand married Aruna in 1996 and has a son named Akhil, born in 2011.

Viswanathan Anand, an Indian chess hero, has recently gained attention, not only for his incredible exploits but also for his engaging relationships with the younger generation of chess players. Anand inspires and entertains, from co-creating a hilarious pop culture campaign with world champion D Gukesh to playfully mocking Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa on his recent triumph at the Tata Chess Masters. Since becoming the first Indian Grandmaster in 1988, Anand has not only revolutionised the chess landscape in India but has also made an everlasting impression on the international chess arena. His journey exemplifies the combination of talent, hard work, and a love for the game.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai, India, he started playing chess at the age of six and learnt it from his mother. His inherent talent for chess became apparent as he quickly advanced through local and national contests. He became the youngest Indian to acquire the title of international master at the age of 15 and went on to make history as the country’s first grandmaster when he was only 18 in 1988. The milestone ushered in a chess revolution in India, encouraging thousands of young players and cementing the country’s position as a strong force in international competition. Anand’s playing style earned him the nickname ‘Lightning Kid’ for his incredible speed and rapid calculations.

Championship Titles

Anand is regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, having won five world championships and several tournaments over the course of three decades. His achievements also earned him India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2007.

Anand became FIDE World Champion in 2000, earning the title in Tehran, Iran. His most notable achievements occurred between 2007 and 2013, when he was the uncontested World Chess Champion. He defended his championship against some of the world’s finest players, including Vladimir Kramnik in 2008, Veselin Topalov in 2010, and Boris Gelfand in 2012, before losing it in 2013.

Inspirational tips from Vishwanathan Anand

• Take calculated risks: Always be willing to take sensible risks; this will create new opportunities for you while making it more difficult for your competition, improving your chances of success.
• Dare to be creative: Don’t be scared to think outside the box and attempt new things; being creative will help you stand out in any situation.
• Have patience: When making judgements, take your time to think things through; this can lead to better moves and results, as well as avoiding mistakes.

Vishwanath Anand’s Net Worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Viswanathan Anand’s net worth is expected to be over $5 million (approximately Rs. 43 crores) in December 2024. This is accomplished through prize money from tournaments, endorsements, book sales, and appearances at events.

All about the Indian chess legend’s net worth.

Anand is noted for his humility and diplomatic demeanour. He has played an important role in promoting chess around the world and has had a big impact on its development in India.

Viswanathan Anand married Aruna in 1996, and in 2011, the pair welcomed a son named Anand Akhil. His journey from a little boy learning chess in Chennai to becoming a global celebrity is quite inspirational. His legacy continues to influence the development of chess in India and beyond the world.

Let us know more about Aruna and Anand.

Discover the intriguing persona of Aruna Anand, a figure whose story captivates and inspires. Delve into her background, achievements, and the unique qualities that set her apart in her field. Unravel the layers of her journey and find out what makes Aruna Anand a name worth knowing.

Aruna Anand surpasses the traditional role of a “perfect wife” by managing one of the most successful figures in the world of chess — her husband, Viswanathan Anand. In a dynamic blend of professional and personal life, she serves as his manager and travel companion while also embracing the role of mother to their ten-year-old son, Akhil. For the past twenty years, Aruna has embraced her identity as the wife of a renowned chess champion, wearing that title with pride. With remarkable efficiency, she has taken the reins of her husband’s career, earning admiration and affection from those around her.

How did Vishwanathan Anand and Aruna Anand meet?

Viswanathan Anand’s and Aruna’s paths crossed through the connections between their families. Anand made his way to Aruna’s home, eager to see her. In just twenty minutes of engaging conversation, the duo reached a remarkable conclusion: they were undeniably the ideal partners for one another. At just 21 years old, Aruna was embarking on her journey, while Viswanathan, at the age of 25, was navigating the path of adulthood. The couple relished their brief courtship, filled with delightful outings together.

Aruna and Viswanathan Anand’s wedding tale

In a beautiful traditional ceremony held in July 1996, Viswanathan Anand and Aruna celebrated their union, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey together. In 2021, the couple celebrated a remarkable milestone, marking 25 years of their enchanting journey together.

In 2011, the joyous couple Viswanathan and Aruna welcomed their baby boy, whom they lovingly named Akhil. In a recent conversation with India Today, Aruna opened up about the secrets behind her thriving marriage. She remarked, “Marriage, in our experience, was a journey of adaptation for both of us. In various aspects, we enhance one another. In a world where chaos reigns, one individual stands out for their unwavering calmness. While some may find themselves overwhelmed by disorder, Anand possesses an extraordinary ability to remain composed, effortlessly navigating through the tumult. In stark contrast, there are those who thrive on control, meticulously orchestrating every detail. This dynamic creates a fascinating interplay between the need for order and the serenity found in embracing the chaos. I’ve discovered a newfound patience within myself, yet my words seem to flow endlessly. With an exceptional sense of humour, he finds joy and laughter in even the most absurd situations. As the partner of a sportsperson, you experience both the exhilarating highs and the challenging lows firsthand.” It is this essence that truly unites two individuals.

Transitioning from the role of Viswanathan’s wife to that of his manager

With her marriage to Viswanathan Anand, Aruna Anand found her responsibilities multiplying in ways she never anticipated. She was not only overseeing his household but also steering his professional journey. With a deft touch, Aruna seamlessly balanced her responsibilities, expertly crafting schedules and orchestrating tours, proving herself to be both a devoted wife and a skilled manager. In a recent interview with a media, Aruna opened up about her pivotal role as a manager in her husband’s life, shedding light on the dynamics of their partnership.

“Initially, my intentions didn’t lean towards managing Anand’s career. The role emerged organically, not through any prior planning or divine decree. We embarked on our journey of marriage with the belief that we would navigate the complexities of life together, figuring it all out as we went along. In 1997, when Groningen Lausanne unfolded, it became evident that meticulous management and planning were essential. This included arranging air tickets, ensuring Anand’s safe journey to Lausanne, and confirming his physical and mental well-being. At that juncture, it became increasingly clear that the management of these matters required dedicated attention. From that point forward, it seemed only natural that I would assume responsibility for these aspects, allowing him to concentrate on the chess component. It seems we never truly took the time to sit down and articulate our expectations for how things would unfold. The process unfolded in a remarkably organic manner.”

After 14 years of marriage, Viswanathan and Aruna joyfully welcomed the adventure of parenthood into their lives.

After 14 years of marital bliss, Viswanathan and Aruna welcomed a new chapter in their lives with the arrival of their son, Akhil. In a memorable media interaction, Aruna shared insights into her husband Viswanathan’s nurturing nature. During her pregnancy, she revealed that he had showered her with affection and care, ensuring she felt cherished every step of the way. In a recent interview with ChessBase, Aruna shared insights into what it’s like to have Viswanathan as a father. In a heartfelt revelation, she shared, “I think Anand as a father is the most beautiful role I have seen him in.” Akhil recognises Anand’s prowess in chess; yet, to him, Anand is simply a playmate. Whenever Anand arrives, the atmosphere transforms into delightful chaos, filled with laughter and excitement. There are moments when Anand feels unable to stop him.

Aruna shared further, “With him, Anand is really involved. On certain days, he would stop by the school to collect him. He is also quite involved in his schoolwork and other assignments. Akhil, for example, is currently studying French, and since I don’t speak the language, he frequently turns to Anand for assistance. Sometimes, after finishing a game, Anand would turn to me with a curious look and enquire about the current French homework, eager to jot it down swiftly.”

Viswanathan Anand’s professional journey is a tapestry of inspiration, woven with threads of dedication and triumph. His personal life, equally compelling, underscores the profound significance of family, reminding us of the bonds that ground us amidst our pursuits. Viswanathan and Aruna have beautifully redefined the concept of marriage in India, celebrating an incredible 25 years of love and partnership that inspires many.