Grandmaster happy for the Master Blaster 
By Pallavi Nair, TNN | Dec 25, 2012, 06.58 AM IST

INDORE: Five-time world champion Vishwanathan Anand believes that Sachin Tendulkar’s decision of retiring from the shorter format of cricket must have been an emotional choice. He said he was happy for Sachin real;ilsing his dream of a World Cup victory before hanging his boots.

Anand was in Indore for a day to launch the NIIT Mind Champions’ Academy at Global Indian International School on Monday, here.

“I believe that many Indian chess players are now making their presence felt at the international scene,” he said adding there are many budding players who can make it big at the highest level. “Couple of my tournaments did not really go my way, but I expect to perform better the next year”, said the Grandmaster (GM).


Anand said he is willing to extend his support if the governments in other states, on lines with Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, make chess a compulsory sport at school-level. “If the government of Madhya Pradesh too takes a decision in this regard, it would have my full support,” he assured.


The 43-year-old has a tight schedule next year with almost seven tournaments till July. And the World Chess Championships is coming up in October-November.


Reacting to IOA’s ( Indian Olympic Association) suspension, Anand said the ban is unlikely to affect the sportspersons. Setting aside the news of his retirement, the GM said it was just rumour.


The Grandmaster played chess with the NIIT mind champion academy’s Chess Master 2012, Govind Ganesh, 10, from Kochi and awarded him a trophy on the occassion.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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