Sports guest editors Viswanathan Anand and Anurag Thakur talk to TOI about the game-changing dynamics of the Chess Olympiad...Viswanathan Anand has decided to don a new hat. The five-time world chess champion, who is still an active p layer at 52 and has defeated the world's top player, Magnus Carlsen, twice recently, will contest for the post of deputy president in the FIDE (world chess body) elections. He is also the face of the Chess Olympiad, which will be held in India for the very first time, in Chennai in July-August this year. Anand, looking relaxed in a light summer coat, joined sports minister Anurag Thakur during an interaction with TOI in the Capital on Saturday. The two Guest Sports Editors talked about the way ahead for chess, plans to popularise the sport at the grassroots level and stage more international tournaments to give aspiring youngsters exposure to top-quality chess. Excerpts from the interaction...India is hosting such a big chess event for the first time since the Anand versus Carlsen battle in 2003. The government has planned many events around it. Your thoughts...Anurag Thakur: It's a big moment for India. I am sitting next to the five-time world chess champion who has made the country proud on several occasions. More than 190 countries will be participating in the event. I am sure that the famous Indian hospitality will spread the word that India doesn't only produce world class chess champions but also plays a great host. The Olympiad will help create awareness about the sport among the m asses. Khelo India chess could be the next big thing.
