Champion Viswanathan Anand merits the honour

Vishwanathan Anand must be congratulated. What is rather astonishing is that this difficult game of chess, which requires concentration, tricks and quick action, does not get due recognition in our nation where the game of cricket is religion.

Had it been a world cup victory or a win in a test or one-day series in cricket, the whole team would have been overwhelmingly felicitated and rewards worth crores would have been showered upon them.

However, in the game of chess, the one man army of Vishwanathan Anand, gets few accolades and rewards. Sadly, his feat doesn’t even become the talk of the town, unlike cricket which is talked about everywhere.

This game of 64 squares, must be encouraged from the school to produce as many champions and exploit their talent. We hardly have any known names in this game, in our country. Everytime it is only Anand who represents the nation for any format of the game and for any title.

After all this game doesn’t require any paraphernalia (not even a pair of costly shoes) or one need not spend lakhs on sports items, training and practise. Many can afford to take chess as hobby and become professionals — only if the chess federation or a related body encourages young talent and promotes this game of chess, in earnest and to do justice to the game.
-S Krishna Kumar