Anand interacts with Indian school children

By Arvind Aaron

TEHERAN, DEC. 26. The new World champion, Viswanathan Anand tried to preach the advantages of playing chess to Indian school children on Boxing Day at his hotel lobby here on Tuesday.

The reaction to Anand's victory was felt in Teheran itself and he was the talk of the town here. The Indian community is after him for pictures, meetings, visits etc.

About 40 students, boys and girls, accompanied by teachers and the principal, from the Indian Senior Secondary School, Teheran visited the star, seeking his autograph, asking questions while admiring the Indian who has the reached the highest point of excellence in chess. Anand was thrilled by the inquisitive questions of these students who spoke in English but had Punjabi, Hindi and even some Tamil mother-tongues.

The champion, who had initially given a 15-minute meeting extended it and was overwhelmed by their love and affection. The children had travelled 40 minutes to meet him here. Anand, with his wife, posed for pictures together with his wife.

The children asked him which was his lucky number. Anand who perhaps had not been asked this question before said, ``I think now it should be 24 (he won the title on December 24).'' He was asked scores of questions like this and he patiently answered them.

He was asked if it was important to have great patience to succeed in chess. ``Yes, but that's not the vital factor,'' replied Anand. Anand gave advice on the usefulness of being a chess player in other walks of life. He said it helped one concentrate better and take balanced decisions.

The children clapped enthusiastically throughout the meeting and signed off with `hip hip hurray'. Anand stood there touched by the emotion and excitement the kids showed towards him while asking these questions and interacting with him.

Anand was constantly on the telephone for the third day running. Finding some time to visit the gym, Anand also did some swimming after a massive Indian meal on Monday!!. While at the pool, Anand asked his trainer Ubilava if he would could read his hand. Ubilava jokingly said ``you are going to get a lot of money''!

One of the calculations done by the arbiter says that the prize money of Anand would be $ 514,176 (about Rs. 2. 41 crores). For Shirov, who is losing about 20 Elo from the event, is getting a career high cheque of $ 290,880 for he played too many tie-breaks in the early rounds.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday evening and Anand is scheduled to arrive, by an Emirates Airlines flight, at New Delhi early on the morning of December 29.

A great reception

On Monday evening, Anand, his wife, friends, team of seconds, Indian officials and all journalists were given a reception by the Indian Ambassador in Teheran, Mr. Pripuran Singh Haer.

Over fifty people attended it and most of them were from the Indian Embassy. Mr. P.T. Ummer Koya, Vice President of FIDE also attended the warm reception.

``Your Ambassador's house is a palace by itself,'' Pablo San Segundo, the Spanish second of Anand said as he entered it. Elizbar Ubilava, the chief trainer of Anand was busy reading the palm of women and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

The entire Anand team was in a celebratory mood as it was a big party with lots of South Indian delicacies. Anand thanked the Embassy for the reception and for supplying Indian food all through the match.

The Ambassador said, ``we are proud of you and what you have brought to our country.'' Anand was presented a little Persian carpet. Another official, Mr. Raj Singh from Saharanpur said it was a once in a life time opportunity to witness this match and have dinner with the World champion.

During the course of the three hour event, Anand was given feedback of the Indian reaction to his victory by the staff, some of whom are able to get Indian satellite channels. Anand said, his parents in Chennai were also busy giving information and interviews to the media.

Anand said he had received 112 e-mail messages also. Mr. Suresh P. Prabhu, Union Minister of Power, was one of those who sent a congratulatory message on Tuesday. He also received congratulatory messages from Mr. Geet Sethi, Miss World Priyanka Chopra, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of AP, Ms. Sonal Man Singh (dancer), Dr. N. Mahalingam (TNCA President) and Mr. Pawar of NIIT.

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