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Viswanathan Anand, (date of birth 11-12-1969, Chennai) is considered one of the all time greats in chess. It is his success in the world scene that has made this ancient Indian game, a mass sport in India.

The critics rate him as one of the biggest natural talents ever in the history of Chess.

His hallmark lightening speed and intuitive play came to be recognized when he became the first Indian Grandmaster in 1987.

He is the only World Champion and Indian to be elected the FIDE Deputy President in 2022.

As a five time World Champion Anand has cemented his place among the greatest Champions of all times, becoming one of the rare champions to successfully retain a World Championship title three times.

Anand is the only person in Chess history to have won a World championship title in all formats, match, knock-out and tournament. He became World rapid Champion in 2017.. He was the top board of the gold medal team of the World Chess Olympiad in 2020.

He is the mentor of the budding Indian chess talents through the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy . The players have benefitted tremendously from Anand’s experience and guidance. He is also a director at Olympic God Quest (OGQ) in enabling India to be a sports power.

Viswanathan Anand has been feted with many international awards. He is the proud recipient of the Chess Oscars given for the best player of the year . He received this award six times. (1997, 1998,2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008). Thus becoming one of the few non- Russian to win the

award six times. In India . He has received the high civilian awards of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan , Padma Shri and Arjuna Award. He is also the first recipient of the Khel Ratna Award. Known as the Gentleman Champion in the Chess world, Anand is a spokesperson for children with neurological challenges at Vidyasagar. He is an ambassador of WWF, a role he is very passionate about. Anand is a keen follower of current affairs, world business and astronomy. . He is fluent in German, Spanish and French. His travels have taken him close to 50 countries.

He has the unique distinction of having a planet named after him.