Viswanathan Anand

Viswanathan Anand, known fondly as Vishy, is one of the most prominent names in chess. Over the three decades since he turned Grandmaster, he has won five World Championship titles among innumerable other tournaments and has continued to push past barriers to remain among the world’s top chess players. His achievements have helped inspire a generation of chess players in India. He is an astronomy buff and an avid reader of maths, economics and current affairs. He loves to travel and particularly enjoys wildlife safaris. He supports the cause of Indian sports, as Director of Olympic Gold Quest and mentor at the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy. He is the Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India’s Environment Education programme and a spokesperson for the NIIT Foundation to create awareness about cybersecurity.