Jamshedpur, Dec 11: The 56th birthday of five-time World Chess Champion and India’s first Grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand, was celebrated with enthusiasm on Thursday at a special event organised in Sonari. A cake-cutting ceremony was held in honour of the chess legend.
The programme was attended by several distinguished guests. Shankar Sarkar, Vice President of the Indian Importers Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a noted social worker, graced the occasion as the chief guest and performed the cake-cutting ceremony. The guests of honour included Pramod Sarkar and Ruam Sarkar, Directors of Brightup Technology Private Limited, along with Chandan Kumar Prasad, International Arbiter, international FIDE-rated player and Head Chess Coach of Chandan Chess Academy (CCA), who organised the event.
Young chess players from the academy were present, including Saanvi Gandhi, Souryadipta Sarkar, Monali Biswas, Purav Rushabh Gandhi, Atharv Adesara, Abhijeet Singh, Abhay Dayal, Yukti Ashopa, Amayra Singh, Advaita Singh, Lakshya Ashopa, Vedika Dey, Rian Rohal Gollapalli and Ansh Dey. They expressed admiration for Anand’s achievements and shared their joy in celebrating the birthday of their role model.
Coach Chandan Kumar Prasad said that Anand has been a lifelong inspiration for him and his students. He recalled meeting the chess icon in Jamshedpur on February 8, 2020, describing it as a memorable and overwhelming experience. He added that Anand’s achievements continue to motivate young players, and he wished the Grandmaster greater success and glory in the coming years.
Prasad concluded by expressing pride in honouring a personality who has elevated India’s reputation in global chess.
