Bengal asks Anand to help at proposed chess academy

Kolkata - The West Bengal government on Thursday requested world champion Viswanathan Anand to give occasional tips to trainees at its proposed chess academy.

The chess genius “principally agreed”, but said his tight schedule was a “serious problem”.

The request came from state Sports Minister Madan Mitra during a function organised by the government to felicitate Anand for winning his fifth world championship in May.

“We want to start a chess academy. We urge you to come to Kolkata once in two months and give tips to the youngsters”.

Minutes earlier, while speaking at the programme, Anand had said he was open to helping youngsters to ensure the state got more chess champions.

Later at a media meet, Anand said making a trip to the city every two months would be “very difficult”.

“When the minister told me I said principally I agree. But details will have to be worked out. Also there are serious problems because of my tight schedule. Making it to Kolkata once in two months is very difficult.”