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It is euphoria as chess players meet one of the greatest



After having waited with bated breath, the audience erupted in euphoria the moment chess great Viswanathan Anand made his way into the hall at the Pavendar Bharathidasan College of Engineering and Technology on Thursday.

Chess enthusiasts, including participants of the second physically disabled national individual chess championship, were thrilled to be in the midst of the five-time world champion. Mr. Anand was here to inaugurate the championship, organised by the Chess Federation for Physical Disabled (CFPD).

Among the audience was K. Jennitha Anto, reigning women’s champion in the IPCA (International Physically disabled Chess Association) world individual chess championship, who Mr. Anand lauded.

“Normally when someone refers to a five-time champion, I will stand up. But here I have to pause as there is another five-time champion around,” he said referring to Ms. Anto’s achievement of winning five straight IPCA championships.

“I have always felt that chess is a wonderful game for people with challenges because it is very easy to play. Once you start playing, then you are competing under the same conditions as everybody else,” said Mr. Anand, adding that the formation of CFPD was a “very big step.”

“You should enjoy the game so much that you should forget the world while playing. I hope you enjoy this tournament,” he said.

Mr. Anand and R.A. Krishnakumar, Executive Director, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd, honoured differently abled chess players who won laurels in the IPCA championships in 2016 A. M. Raman, Advisor, Saraswathi Educational and Health Trust, was also present.

Mr. Anand enthusiastically posed for photographs with the players. “I am meeting Mr. Anand for the first time and it is hugely inspiring. I am so happy and thrilled,” said Suresh Agarwal, who is competing in the championship.

Around 40 players from different parts of the country are participating in the four-day championship.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/it-is-euphoria-as-chess-players-meet-one-of-the-greatest/article20087960.ece

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