Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand shared insights into his career and the growth of chess in India during a conversation at The Hindu Lit for Life festival in Chennai. At age 56, he expressed plans for a busier competitive schedule ahead. The event highlighted his experiences in Spain and the importance of fitness in modern chess.
Viswanathan Anand, the five-time World Chess Champion, appeared relaxed and affable during his session titled 'The Chessmaster and His Moves' with K.C. Vijaya Kumar, Sports Editor of The Hindu, on January 18, 2026, at Lady Andal School in Chennai. The discussion, part of The Hindu Lit for Life festival, covered Anand's recent performances and future aspirations.
Anand, now 56 and in good physical form, recently finished as runner-up in the rapid segment of the Tata Steel tournament in Kolkata. He described the event positively, noting it followed his participation in the Jerusalem Masters and the Global Chess League. 'In fact, this year I will try to play more often and hopefully be in a situation where my breaks from the game are not so long,' he said.
Reflecting on India's chess boom, Anand marveled at the progress since his 1988 Grandmaster title. India now boasts 92 Grandmasters, with about 70 achieving the rank after 2010, placing the country among the top three globally. He highlighted the rising momentum in women's chess and downplayed his own influence, crediting broader factors like the Tal Chess Club from his early days.
Anand credited much of his success to time spent in Spain, where he lived part-time for 16 years in Collado Mediano near Madrid. 'Spain was one of the top organisers in those days. I had a great time there,' he recalled, mentioning tournaments like Linaires. Four of his five world titles were won while training there.
On fitness, Anand emphasized its role in chess, explaining how intense matches lead to physical exhaustion despite the mental focus. 'A game of chess will exhaust you physically,' he noted, describing post-game adrenaline crashes. He challenged views on modern distractions, arguing the core challenge remains sustained concentration, and observed that young players adapt well amid changes like reduced isolation in hotels.
Anand attributed his ongoing competitiveness to the joy of outmaneuvering opponents on the board.
