Viswanathan Anand needs no introduction. The person who put chess on India's map.  India's first Grand Master. Five time world chess Champion. The first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. The first sportsperson to receive the Padma Vibhushan. One of the few players in the world to surpass the Elo rating of 2800. 

 

We could write pages on just his achievements, but suffice to say that Anand is up there among the Chess greats in the world and has done an incredible amount for the popularity of chess in India. He is an icon and a role model to many. 

 

It's a double privilege to share Anand's interview with Great Goals  this week as India celebrates the nation's first ever FIDE Chess Olympiad Gold – a team that Anand was part of. 

 

Interview with Viswanathan Anand

 

What is the most important lesson you have taken from being a player?

Never give up on your ambition. You have to enjoy what you do and understand that you never stop learning. Even when you feel you have achieved something.. there is always lots to learn . 

 

What one word or phrase do you want people to associate with your name? 

Perseverance and Principle

 

What do you do to calm your butterflies when you compete?

Deep breathe and take long walks. I love listening to music so every tournament I can remember with the songs I heard. I am a big Terminator fan! So I watch that before a big game!