Garry Kasparov will be in India on Thursday. He will arrive in New Delhi for a three-day maiden visit to the country.
Garry Kasparov will be in India on Thursday. He will arrive in New Delhi for a three-day maiden visit to the country.
The former world champion, considered best chess player ever, will deliver a keynote address on Friday. Among others at the symposium, organised by a Delhi-based media house, are former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf and Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Interestingly enough, Kasparov will not be playing chess matches during his stay. Efforts to organise a simul (simultaneous chess) have not fructified. Kasparov will leave India on Sunday morning.
A spokesman for Kasparov, now an opposition leader in Russian politics, said efforts are being made to bring the former world No. 1 player to Mumbai. Owen William, who was in the city for a couple of days, told DNA that there is a very good chance of the Super Grandmaster coming to the city some time late this year or early next year.
“We are planning to bring Garry to Mumbai. It will depend on a lot of factors. This time it was not possible because of his hectic schedule,” Owen said without elaborating. Owen is believed to have met president of Maharashtra Chess Association RM Dongre.
Dongre was a bit more forthcoming. “We’ve sought a formal proposal from Kasparov’s managers. We are keen to bring him to the city. It requires some effort to host such a high-profile player. Once we get the proposal, we will go to the sponsors,” the vice-president of the All-India Chess Federation, who will be hosting the highest-ever prize money tournament in the city later in the year, said.
Owen revealed that Kasparov has tremendous respect for current world champion Viswanathan Anand and rates the Indian GM very highly. They are good friends when not playing each other. He then recalled an incident involving Anand and Kasparov.
“Garry was shocked for life when he lost to Anand in the 9th game of their World Championship match in New York in 1995. He was uncontrollable that night. He was determined to fight back. Next day he came back to beat Anand and clinch the title. If he aims for some thing, he will not be quiet till he achieves it.”
Owen said Kasparov was looking forward to visiting the largest democracy in the world.
Kasparov, one may note, is leading a movement for democracy back home in Russia. He even unsuccessfully contested in the Russian election. “He says he doesn’t want to be president of Russia. He was fighting not to win the election but have proper election in the country,” Owen revealed.
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