I love travelling and going on wildlife safaris. I have an interest in astronomy. I like reading on current affairs, business and science. I love doing nothing if I can help it. Viswanathan Anand More Quotes by Viswanathan Anand More Quotes From Viswanathan Anand When I was about six, I saw my elder siblings play chess and pestered my mother into teaching me. Very soon, I was beating everyone at home, and they thought it would be good to join a club. So my sister would take me to the Tal chess club on Thursdays and weekends. Viswanathan Anand sibling teaching mother For me, chess is not a profession, it is a way of life, a passion. People may feel that I have conquered the peak and will not have to struggle. Financially, perhaps that is true; but as far as chess goes, I'm still learning a lot! Viswanathan Anand passion struggle people Chess is like a language, the top players are very fluent at it. Talent can be developed scientifically but you have to find first what you are good at. Viswanathan Anand player chess firsts It's important, according to me, to train in small doses so as to not lose the joy of playing chess. I personally think too many coaching and training classes may take away a child's interest in the game itself. The essential thing to do is practise often and, in case of a doubt, to consult a trainer. Viswanathan Anand games children thinking Before a game, I avoid having a heavy meal so that I don't feel sleepy at the board. You eat to be healthy, and that generally takes care of everything. Also, you can't be too finicky, since at tournaments you tend to eat at restaurants here and there. But, as long as you're eating sensibly, it's all good. Viswanathan Anand healthy games long There are some aspects of work you need to keep working on and no matter what environment you are in. Continuous learning is very important. It's what I call 'competitive tension', which is about having a competition around. Viswanathan Anand competition important needs The Internet gives you access to a lot of material, and it's fun to sit and read. I go to something like Wikipedia and look at different topics... I find the subject fascinating. I like to read about concepts and mathematicians. Viswanathan Anand wikipedia fun giving It is very difficult to play a single blitz game! You want to play for a long time. So I tend not to do that anymore. Viswanathan Anand games play long When you play with the best in the world, it is important that you not lose focus. You must be fully focused. Even a minor error could result in a massive defeat. Viswanathan Anand errors focus play Things like the financial markets - a proper grounding in mathematics could help the common man. I believe that if people are more familiar with mathematical concepts... it can help deal with modern life, which is increasingly complex. Viswanathan Anand men believe people Each match I approach like a new one. The work is so immense that you don't have time to sit and ponder. Viswanathan Anand pondering immense approach If you have a strong opponent, a competition is stimulating. I am generally most open to ideas when I have had a bad result. In chess, too, players specialise. This specialty then becomes an entry barrier. Viswanathan Anand strong player ideas There are some things we do much better than computers, but since most of chess is tactically based they do many things better than humans. And this imbalance remains. I no longer have any issues. It's bit like asking an astronomer, does he mind that a telescope does all the work. He is used to it. It is just an incredible tool that you can use. Viswanathan Anand issues mind doe In a way players at the top should try to promote the game in their own countries as that is the legacy that makes you feel proud. If you have not done that you have failed as a sportsperson. Viswanathan Anand player games country My practice schedule is not constant and changes a lot and depends on my moods also. Viswanathan Anand schedules mood practice Preparedness for a game that usually lasts four-five hours requires good physical condition and also steady nerves. Viswanathan Anand nerves four games I like to keep myself physically and mentally fit before any important match. I usually take a short nap just before the game and do not practice immediately before the tournament. Viswanathan Anand practice naps games We want more women players to take up chess. There are few participants at the national level and hope it will grow. Viswanathan Anand levels player want When I started out playing chess as a kid I thought I should be world champion. As a kid you have no idea what that means and you only sort of picture it. It is hard to imagine that I waited all those years and it happened in a late stage of my career. Viswanathan Anand mean kids years I appreciate the support and anyone who takes up a position on my behalf. Especially in matches, this feeling that there are people behind you, gives me a lot of strength. Viswanathan Anand appreciate giving people
