The Hindu : Sport : Viswanathan Anand felicitated

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Thursday, Nov 01, 2007
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Sport

Viswanathan Anand felicitated

Sports Reporter

— Photo: R. Ragu

HONOURED: World chess champion Viswanathan Anand and his wife Aruna receiving a memento from Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy, President, The Mylapore Club, in Chennai. Veteran tennis star Ramanathan Krishnan looks on.

CHENNAI: World chess champion Viswanathan Anand was felicitated by the Mylapore Club at a function here on Wednesday.

Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy, President of Mylapore Club, presented Anand with a Tanjore painting of the champion himself. Dr. Ramaswamy said, by winning the World championship twice, Anand has shown what can be achieved through sheer endeavour, perseverance and concentration. “By honouring Anand, we are honouring us, and the club.”

“We hope you will continue to play for many more years,” Dr. Ramaswamy said. “We hope one day you will start an academy and encourage youngsters.”

Ramaswamy lavished praise on Anand’s understanding parents and his wife Aruna.

Special achievement

Describing Anand’s achievement as special and rare, Venketrama Raja, President, Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, said it requires complete mastery over the game and mastery over the mind. In its last executive committee meeting, Raja disclosed, TNSCA had made Anand its life-time honorary president. “That’s the least we can do for him,” Mr. Raja said.

N. Ravi, Editor, The Hindu, detailed Anand’s achievements and complimented his single-minded focus. He also talked about Anand’s transition from being a player who would make lightning quick moves to being a more concentrated player.

“What stands out is Anand’s attitude and sporting spirit,” Mr. Ravi pointed out. “He has made a lasting change in the world of Indian sport,” he said.

Tennis legend Ramanathan Krishnan described Anand as a lion-hearted competitor. “Well done Anand, do it again,” Mr. Krishnan said.

Pleased with the reception, Anand said he would carry home happy memories. He also thanked TNSCA for its “kind gesture” of making him life-time honorary president.

V.M. Ramalingam, Member in-charge, Sports, Mylapore Club, proposed the vote of thanks.

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