Vishwanathan Anand Podcast with R Ashwin Goes Viral: Here is Why

Chess in India is experiencing a renaissance, with a surge in interest and excitement sparked by India’s gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad. This historic achievement has rekindled a deep fascination for the game, bringing chess into the limelight across the country. As evidence of this newfound enthusiasm, a 2021 video featuring chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has recently gone viral, captivating audiences nationwide.

The video, from the podcast ‘DRS with Ash’ hosted by Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, reveals a charming and insightful story shared by Anand about an unforgettable experience in Kerala. Anand recounts an anecdote from a train journey where he was on his way to a felicitation event. Seated next to an elderly man, they struck up a conversation. The man, curious about Anand’s profession, asked, 'What do you do for a living?' Anand, with his characteristic humility, responded that he was a chess player. The man, unaware of Anand’s global stature, followed up with, 'That’s fine, but what do you do for a living?'

Amused, Anand explained that chess was indeed his full-time profession. The elderly man, concerned, went on to inquire about Anand's family background, wondering if they were involved in any business. When Anand clarified that his family did not have a business, the man offered a word of advice: 'In India, sports are highly uncertain. Only someone like Viswanathan Anand can make a career in chess. You should be cautious and think about the risks.'

In the podcast, Ashwin asked Anand if he revealed his identity to the elderly man, to which Anand humorously responded, 'No, I didn’t.'

This candid story highlights not only the humility of Viswanathan Anand but also the traditional mindset toward sports in India, where making a career in sports outside cricket is often viewed with scepticism. The viral video was shared by Anil Padmanabhan (@anilp68) on X (formerly Twitter) and has amassed over 35,800 likes. One user’s comment, 'In this case, most of the Indians are the same,' resonated with many, touching on the widespread perception of sports careers in the country.

As chess continues to gain momentum in India, stories like Anand’s shed light on the cultural shifts happening today, as more young players are inspired to make their mark on the global chessboard. The sport’s growing prominence is a testament to the changing attitudes toward professional sports in India, and Viswanathan Anand remains a symbol of hope and success for aspiring players.

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