Updated: 09/14/2012, 11:36 AM
Chess / By Shelby Lyman
The tendency to recognize and celebrate heroic achievement is rooted deep in the human psyche.
When China’s star hurdler Liu Xiang crashed to the ground because of a recurring Achilles tendon injury during the recent Olympics, a Chinese state broadcast announcer openly wept.
Earlier, when Khani James of Ghana won the semifinal 400-meter track event, he immediately turned to pay tribute to South African Oscar Pistorius who had finished last.
Pistorius is the much admired “blade runner” who races with carbon fiber prosthetics attached to his partially amputated legs.
Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, who successfully defended his world chess title in June, was met at his native Chennai airport by an exhilarated and effusive crowd wearing “Anand” masks. Many carried placards reading: “You have brought Anand to a billion hearts.”
Echoing the adulation, former world champion Alexander Khalifman declared: “Anand is a genius, he emanates light.”
“I was inspired by Anand. I have always been motivated by him,” said India’s youngest grandmaster Parimarjan Negi.
According to S.R. Madhu of the Indian newspaper the Hindu, Anand embodies virtues that are prized in his country:
“Like cricket idol Tendulkar, Anand has a reputation for humility, fairness and impeccable conduct.”
Source: http://www.buffalonews.com
He’s the greatest world champion in history.
If you consider the game, PLUS character, humility, politeness and fairness to the opponent, I’d agree with what Anon has to say.
(Mathur)
“Anand is a genius, he emanates light”….Yes, but can he walk on water? Please, tone the worship language down. The guy plays chess. He didn’t create the universe.
Hi Susan Polgar,
By and large,Anand is a great human being,takes not his success to his head at any point of time.
Anand knows and treats,others in chess equally respectable.
When comes to chess game,he knows, when to bounce,when to pounce and when to brush aside.
In chess,Anand deserves what he had earned and he is capable of earning lot more [ Said based on the analysis of his chess skills ]
By
Venky [ India – Chennai ]