Hyderabad:Chess maestro Viswanathan Anand gave an inspiring message to youth ahead of International Chess Day. In a letter provided to ETV Bharat by Anand, the legend of the sport wrote that mastery over anything is acquired only by hard work. Also, he told youth to embrace every challenge and learn from every game.
"On this International Chess Day, I extend my warmest wishes to you. Chess is not just a game, it is a journey of endless possibilities, learning, and self-discovery. As you celebrate this day, I would like to share with you some moments from my own journey that I hope will inspire you,” he wrote.
“When I was barely seven, my family moved to Manila, and it was there that I found myself in the midst of a vibrant chess culture. My mother, who was instrumental in nurturing my interest in chess, diligently sought out chess clubs and opportunities for me to play. Despite the initial challenges, her persistence paid off, and I was soon participating in weekend tournaments,” he said.
“I have played many chess games in my childhood, and while not all were successful, I have never worried or hesitated to try again. These experiences taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of studying past games, and the necessity of continuous learning," added the 54-year-old Grandmaster, who resides in Chennai.