Viswanathan Anand is a chess grandmaster and former world chess champion. He was born on December 11, 1969 in Chennai, India, and began playing chess at a young age. Anand's natural talent for the game was evident from the start, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the top players in the world.
Anand received his grandmaster title in 1988, at the age of 18, making him the youngest grandmaster in Indian history at the time. In 1991, he won the prestigious Melody Amber blindfold and rapid chess tournament, solidifying his reputation as a world-class player.
Anand has had a successful career, winning numerous international tournaments and setting several records along the way. He won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000, and successfully defended his title in 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012. In 2013, he lost the title to Magnus Carlsen, but regained it in 2014 and held it until 2016, when he lost to Carlsen again.
In addition to his success in chess, Anand is also known for his philanthropic work. He has supported various charitable causes in India, including education, health care, and disaster relief efforts. He has also been a vocal advocate for the promotion of chess in India and around the world.
Anand's contributions to the world of chess have been recognized with several awards and honors. He has received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, as well as the Spanish Order of Sports Merit. He has also been inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in his home state of Tamil Nadu.
Overall, Viswanathan Anand is a highly accomplished chess player and a respected figure in the world of chess. His skills, dedication, and philanthropy have made him a role model for aspiring chess players and sportsmen around the world.