One of the most notable aspects of Anand’s career is his career longevity and persistence. At the age of 50, he continues to be among the top 10 chess players on the rating list. He was a candidate for the 1993 and 2016 world chess championships, a glorious 23-years which any other player can hardly match.

Awards and Accomplishments

Vishwanathan is the first Asian to win the World Championship (2000). He is also the only person in Chess history to win the World Chess Championship title across all formats- match, knocks, and tournament. 

In 1998, Viswanathan Anand became India’s first grandmaster. He is also the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (one of India’s highest sporting honours) 1991-1992. In 2017, Anand was awarded the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ (second highest civilian award), making him the first sportsperson to receive the award. He also received the ‘Arjuna Award’ in 1985, ‘Padma Shri’ in 1987 and ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 2000.