Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Vishy Anand Returns to Competitive Chess
Viswanathan Anand, a famous chess player, used to play chess competitively for many years.
He took a break and started doing other things like teaching young players and working with the chess federation.
But last year, he felt bored just watching tournaments and wanted to play again.
He accepted invitations to play in Kolkata and Jerusalem.
Even though he hasn't played much recently, he still knows a lot about chess and can make good moves.
Anand is different from other players who retired, like Garry Kasparov, because he never completely stopped playing.
He still has the competitive spirit and enjoys playing chess.
Viswanathan Anand, a former world chess champion, returned to competitive chess after a period of semi-retirement.
He felt the urge to compete again after watching tournaments for a few years and decided to accept invitations to play in Kolkata and Jerusalem.
Anand still has the mental muscle memory to make good moves but finds it challenging to decide on openings after long breaks.
Unlike Garry Kasparov, who retired completely, Anand never cut the cord and continues to play and enjoy chess.
Anand's competitive spirit and edge are still evident, as shown in his recent performance at the Tata Steel India Rapid and Blitz tournament.
- Who
- Viswanathan Anand, a former world chess champion
- What
- Anand's return to competitive chess after considering retirement
- When
- Recently, during the Tata Steel India Rapid and Blitz tournament
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- Anand felt the urge to compete again after watching tournaments for a few years
- Player
- Viswanathan Anand
- Roles
- Deputy President of FIDE, Mentor, Chess Analyst
- Tournament
- Tata Steel India Rapid and Blitz
- Mentees
- D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa
- Retirement Status
- Semi-retired
- Recent Performance
- Almost won the Rapid portion
- Mental Challenge
- Difficulty in deciding moves after long breaks