Discipline was the key, says chess’ karmayogi

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When Viswanathan Anand wins there is something for everyone to celebrate. The quintessential pro can learn a lot from Anand’s monk-like commitment to the game. A young sportsman can relate to how enjoying your craft can lead to greater deeds. And to an entire nation that continues to be deprived of even good roads and proper sanitation, Anand is a true inspiration, on what can be achieved if one puts mind over matter.

The karmayogi of world chess provided glimpses of his lighter side, insights into the compelling final in Sofia and more importantly, the need to respect the game and stay motivated, during an interaction with the media here on Monday.
Each of the 12 boards against Veselin Topolav went past four hours making it one of the longest world championships final ever. But none of the physical and mental drain was evident on Anand. The fourth world title has taken care of it all.
“There are many firsts connected with this championship. It was the first time I travelled by bus for a championship. It was the first final between two non-Soviet Union (players) since 1921. It was also the first time a defending champion had retained the title after losing the first game. It was also the first time I got a speeding ticket,” said Anand in a lighter vein.
Anand had rated the win in Sofia as the toughest of his professional career. The triumph was a tribute to Anand’s tenacity. “It was exceptionally tense and nerve-wracking. After I lost the first game on variations, it was tough to change course after that. This is incidentally the first world championship where I played full length. When I woke up on the last day of the match, I had no idea that it is going to be such a happy end(ing). It could have really gone either way,” noted Anand who added that the travel by road after the airports were closed due the volcanic ash, only made it harder.
Keeping the emotional quotient was the key to Anand’s success. The mind champion has been a past master at it. Anand recounted on the preparation. “During the match and a few months before, I knew discipline was the key. I did not visit any chess website or read anything that was non-essential. Things that had nothing to do with chess were fine to me. But, my seconds knew and shared details that were relevant. It was nice that my team kept me from having to think about anything but chess. My wife, Aruna took care of everything that was not connected with the game. It is a nice bubble to be in. When you come out of it, a few things make you wonder how long you have been away like a time warp.”
In the world championship last year, Anand had built a three-point lead over Vladimir Kramnik, and that provided a cushion and a margin for error, but that was not the case in Sofia. “There was a responsibility in each game that made the test sterner. Since he was not going to offer a draw I got ready for long games and I started looking for my chances. Once I did that I was able to cope up well,” explained Anand.
In an era where a few good seasons can lead a sportsman down the wrong line, Anand’s fierce commitment is a lesson for all. All the silverware and endless contracts look fine but the journey is no elevator ride. Success has been built brick by brick.
“I simply make sure that I respect the game and try to stay focused. I have a feeling that when you work hard and do not take the result for granted, then things usually go well. But if you start relaxed and perhaps you do not do things that you are supposed to do, then inevitably the consequences follow,” said Anand.
The world champion is ready to take a well-earned rest and is expected to start match training soon. “After the win in Bonn, I relaxed a bit and the final was upon me quickly. You have to work much harder. Probably, I will get a month’s rest. Two years can fly between matches and from July I have to start working intensely and do some training.”
On his possible opponent in the final in 2012 and targets for the future, Anand said: “I do not necessarily set a limit. The next match is going to be incredibly challenging. The top players are of high quality. This field of candidates for the next world championship will be remembered for a long time and I am happy to be part of that. At the moment, I am really motivated to work.”
To keep the fire going and remain committed to excellence has been Anand’s key to success. Retaining the will to work with abundance of motivation, the people’s champion should only offer more reasons to celebrate.