On June 30, 2025, the world still celebrates Viswanathan Anand, a name that shines brightly in the world of chess. He is India’s greatest chess player. Anand’s story is one of talent, hard work, and success. Born in a small town, he became a global hero. His journey inspires many young Indians. This article tells the story of Anand’s life in simple words. It covers his early days, struggles, achievements, and legacy. Let’s dive into his amazing life.
Early Life and Love for Chess
Viswanathan Anand was born on December 11, 1969. His hometown was Mayiladuthurai, a small place in Tamil Nadu, India. His family was simple and loving. His father, Viswanathan, worked in the railways. His mother, Susheela, was a housewife. She loved chess and taught Anand the game. Anand was only six years old then. He quickly fellatively in love with chess. His mother saw his talent. She encouraged him to play more. Anand’s older brother and sister also supported him. The family moved to Chennai later. Chennai became the place where Anand’s chess journey began.
Anand was a bright student. He studied well in school. But chess was his true passion. He played chess every day. His mother took him to chess clubs. There, he met stronger players. He learned new moves and tricks. Anand was a fast learner. By age 10, he was winning local tournaments. His confidence grew. People started noticing the young boy’s skills. Chess was not very popular in India then. But Anand dreamed big. He wanted to be the best in the world.
Viswanathan Anand Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife,
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Viswanathan Anand |
| Date of Birth | December 11, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Family | Father: Viswanathan Iyer (railway worker); Mother: Sushila (housewife, taught him chess); Older brother (Shivakumar), older sister (Anuradha) |
| Early Life | Learned chess at age 6 from his mother; moved to Chennai; played in local clubs |
| First Major Achievement | Won National Sub-Junior Chess Championship in 1983 (age 14) |
| International Master | Became India’s youngest International Master in 1984 (age 15) |
| World Junior Champion | Won World Junior Chess Championship in 1987 (first Indian to win, age 18) |
| Grandmaster Title | Became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 (age 19) |
| Nickname | "Lightning Kid" (for his fast, smart playing style) |
| World Championship Wins | FIDE World Chess Champion: 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 |
| Key Opponents | Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, Vladimir Kramnik, Boris Gelfand, Magnus Carlsen |
| Major Setback | Lost world championship title to Magnus Carlsen in 2013 (age 44) |
| Comeback | Competed for world title again in 2014; continued winning tournaments in his 50s |
| Playing Style | Fast, smart, creative; quick thinking; calm under pressure |
| Personal Life | Married to Aruna; son named Akhil; lives in Chennai; enjoys reading and movies |
| Contribution to Chess | Started WestBridge Anand Chess Academy; popularized chess in India |
| Awards | Padma Shri (1987), Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Chess Oscar multiple times |
| Legacy | Inspired millions; made India a chess powerhouse |
| Current Status (2025) | Still plays chess at age 55; competes with younger players; remains a role model |
First Big Steps
In 1983, Anand won the National Sub-Junior Chess Championship. He was only 14. This victory was a big moment. It showed he was special. A year later, he became India’s youngest International Master. This title is a big honor in chess. Anand was just 15. His talent surprised everyone. He worked harder. He studied chess books. He practiced for hours. His mother was his biggest supporter. She traveled with him to tournaments. Anand’s family believed in him.
In 1987, Anand made history. He won the World Junior Chess Championship. He was the first Indian to do this. The world started to notice him. Anand was 18 years old. This win gave him confidence. He knew he could compete with the best. But the journey was not easy. Chess was not a big sport in India. There was little money or support. Anand faced many challenges. Yet, he never gave up. His love for chess kept him going.
Becoming a Grandmaster
In 1988, Anand became India’s first Grandmaster. A Grandmaster is the highest title in chess. Anand was only 19. This was a huge achievement. He worked hard to reach this level. He traveled to Europe for tournaments. He played against strong players. Each game taught him something new. Anand’s style was unique. He played fast and smart. People called him the “Lightning Kid.” His quick thinking surprised opponents. Anand was now a star in the chess world.
In the 1990s, Anand kept improving. He competed in big tournaments. He faced famous players like Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. These were the best players in the world. Anand did not win every time. But he learned from every loss. He studied his mistakes. He worked on his weaknesses. His dedication made him stronger. By the late 1990s, Anand was among the top players globally. India was proud of him. He was showing the world that Indians could excel in chess.
World Champion Glory
In 2000, Anand achieved a big dream. He won the FIDE World Chess Championship. This made him the first Indian world champion. The victory was historic. India celebrated his success. Anand was 31 years old. He had worked hard for years. This win proved his talent. But Anand did not stop there. He wanted to do more. He kept playing in big tournaments. His goal was to stay the best.
In 2007, Anand won the World Chess Championship again. This time, it was in a different format. He won a tournament in Mexico. Anand was at his peak. He defended his title in 2008, 2010, and 2012. He played against strong players like Vladimir Kramnik and Boris Gelfand. Each match was tough. But Anand’s preparation was excellent. He studied his opponents. He planned his moves carefully. His calmness under pressure was amazing. Fans loved his style. Anand became a hero in India and beyond.
Challenges and Comeback
Anand’s journey was not always smooth. In 2013, he lost the world championship title. Magnus Carlsen, a young player from Norway, defeated him. This was a tough moment for Anand. He was 44 years old. Many thought his career was over. But Anand did not give up. He trained harder. He worked with new coaches. In 2014, he fought for the title again. He faced Carlsen once more. Anand lost, but he showed great spirit. His determination inspired fans.
After 2014, Anand kept playing. He won many tournaments. He proved he was still a top player. Even in his 50s, Anand competed with younger players. His experience made him strong. He adapted to new chess trends. He used computers to study the game. Anand’s love for chess never faded. He enjoyed every match. His passion kept him going.
Life Beyond Chess
Anand is not just a chess player. He is a kind and humble person. He lives in Chennai with his wife, Aruna. They have a son named Akhil. Aruna has been his biggest supporter. She manages his schedule. She travels with him to tournaments. Anand loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys reading books. He likes watching movies. Anand is a simple man with big dreams.
Anand has done a lot for chess in India. He started the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy. This academy trains young players. Anand wants to find the next chess star. He believes India has many talented kids. He shares his knowledge with them. Many young players look up to him. Anand’s academy is changing chess in India. More kids are playing the game now. India has produced many Grandmasters after Anand. He is proud of this.
Legacy and Impact
Anand’s legacy is huge. He made chess popular in India. Before him, few Indians played chess. Now, chess is a big sport in the country. Young players dream of being like Anand. He showed that hard work can lead to success. His story inspires people beyond chess. Anand proved that talent from a small town can conquer the world. His humility makes him special. Even after becoming a world champion, he stayed grounded.
Anand has won many awards. The Indian government honored him with the Padma Shri in 1987. Later, he received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. These are high civilian awards in India. Anand also won the Chess Oscar many times. This award is given to the best chess player. His achievements are countless. But Anand remains humble. He says hard work is the key to success.
Why Anand Inspires
Anand’s story is about chasing dreams. He started with little support. Chess was not a popular sport. Yet, he believed in himself. His mother’s encouragement helped him. His hard work made him a champion. Anand faced losses but never gave up. He kept learning. He stayed positive. This makes him a role model. Young Indians see him as an example. They believe they can achieve big things too.
Anand’s games are exciting. His moves are creative. He thinks fast and plays with courage. Fans love watching him. He has played thousands of games. Each game shows his brilliance. Anand’s story teaches us to never stop learning. He is 55 years old now. But he still plays chess. He still loves the game. This passion makes him special.
Conclusion
Viswanathan Anand is a legend. His journey from a small town to world champion is amazing. He faced challenges but never gave up. His hard work and talent made him great. Anand changed chess in India. He inspired millions of people. His academy is building the future of chess. Anand’s story is not just about chess. It is about dreaming big and working hard. He is a true hero. India is proud of him. The world respects him. Anand’s legacy will live forever.