Vishy Anand - The True Torch Bearer of Indian Chess
Shahid Ahmed·2 min read
When a chess enthusiast or a non-chess enthusiast talks about Indian chess, the first name at the tip of their tongue is Vishy Anand. It has been the case for decades. The legend cemented his legacy by making strong moves over the board and having an affable personality off the 64 squares. The first ever torch relay for Chess Olympiad took place at Indira Gandhi International Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday 19th June. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi handed over the Chess Olympiad Torch to Vishy Anand. While the ceremony was an inaugural event, the entire chess universe knows that the maestro Vishy Anand has been carrying the torch for Indian chess for a long time and the chess universe certainly wants him to continue doing so. Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
The Indian team for the 44th Chess Olympiad in presence of many stalwarts of Indian chess, enthusiasts and follower of the sport, various guests all across the world, became a part of history as the first ever Torch Relay for Chess Olympiad took place. It is absolutely poetic that the first-ever Torch Relay for Chess Olympiad started at the birthplace of chess, India.
Team India with Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
L to R: GM Raunak Sadhwani, IM Vaishali R, GM Abhijit Kunte, IM Bhakti Kulkarni, GM Vishy Anand, PM Narendra Modi, GM Koneru Humpy, GM Vidit Gujrathi, IM Tania Sachdev, WGM Divya Deshmukh, GM Swapnil Dhopade, GM R B Ramesh and WGM Mary Ann Gomes.
PM Narendra Modi hands over the Torch to Vishy Anand | Video: ChessBase India
PM Narendra Modi hands over the Chess Olympiad torch to Vishy Anand | Photo: AICF
Vishy Anand has figuratively run with torch of Indian chess for all over the world. On Sunday 19th June, he literally ran with Olympiad torch.
Vishy Anand's Olympic torch run at the Olympiad Torch relay | Video: ChessBase India
PM Narendra Modi vs Koneru Humpy - Ceremonial Move at Torch Relay for 44th Chess Olympiad | Video: ChessBase India
GM Koneru Humpy on her game against the Prime Minister of India - Narendra Modi | Video: ChessBase India
Vidit on how it felt when the Prime Minister of India called out his name | Video: ChessBase India
How the AICF put together the entire show for the Prime Minister of India in 12 days - Bharat Singh Chauhan | Video: ChessBase India
The tireless All India Chess Federation team | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
Vishy Anand, Koneru Humpy, Dibyendu Barua, Vidit Gujrathi, Tania Sachdev and Prithu Gupta sharing a light moment before the event | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
