Anand, the "one man army for Indian Chess" : AICF

Chennai, Sept 30 (UNI) The All India Chess Federation (AICF) today hailed Indian wizard Viswanathan Anand for winning the World Chess Championship title for the second time and described him as a ''one man army for Indian Chess''.

Talking to UNI here, AICF Secretary D V Sundar said ''we cannot have a better news. He is the one man army for Indian Chess''.

Anand regained the title after a gap of seven years after drawing his 14th and final round game with Grandmaster Peter Leko (Hungary) in the tournament held at Mexico city and became one of the very few players to achieve this rare feat.

Mr Sundar said ''what the cricketers and hockey players do with 15 people, one man does for Indian Chess''.

''He (Anand) is gaining more and more experience and considering his wide repertoire of moves, no one can match him for the next five years'', he added.

The AICF would organise a mammoth felicitation function for him. ''We are awaiting his return. The AICF will organise a mammoth felicitation function'', he added.

Profusely lauding Anand, India's first International Master Manual Aaron, who had been watching the Indian legend right from his younger days, said by winning it for the second time, he became one of the few people to achieve this feat.

Describing Anand as a highly talented player, Mr Aaron said he always keeps himself off from any controversy.

His victory in world championship augurs well for the sport in India and would spur more and more people to to take to chess.

''The prestige of the game will further go up and definitely more and more people will take to Chess'', he said and added that the victory would also bring more sponsorship to conduct events.

Mr Aaraon said Chess was classifed as a Category-A sport in all India level for the achievements won by Indian players.

''We have also sought similar category in Tamil Nadu also.

By Anand's feat, we hope we will get it soon'', he added.

UNI