Anand receives tumultuous welcome on homecoming

Oct 16: World Number 1 was “touched” by the crowded reception

Newly crowned World chess champion Viswanathan Anand homecoming caught him on the wrong foot when he was crowded by enthusiastic fans at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on arrival from Frankfurt on Sunday midnight.

However, World number 1 Anand was somewhat “ touched” by the tumultuous welcome on his return, a fortnight after winning the crown in Mexico. He had no complains at all about the whole mess.

"I was touched by seeing the lively crowd. It felt very special that everyone came to airport for me at one am in the morning," Anand said on his arrival.

When asked if he felt any discomfiture as he came out among the crowd waiting for him, Anand said he was "moved" and described people's behaviour as "enthusiastic".

"I was just moved. It was an enthusiastic crowd," he persisted.

Later on Monday evening, Anand with his wife Aruna met President Pratibha Patil. “It is thrilling every time to walk into Rashtrapati Bhawan,” Anand said about the visit.

“The President was very courteous. She seemed to have followed the World championship closely. But she was eager to know how many hours we give, how we prepare for the games and study our opponents.

Anand and Aruna are due to be felicitated by the NIIT in the Indian Institute of Technology campus on Tuesday.

“Chess is a game mostly dominated by Europeans. My becoming the world champion, that too for the second time, will certainly give a lot of impetus to the game in India.”

Anand felt he had to be on his toes to keep up the momentum. “I will be looking to maintain my Elo ratings,” he said while emphasising that he was not looking too far ahead.

Anand’s wife Aruna said the Indian had received many accolades in Mexico City after winning the crown.

“The audience present there started making the “Mexican wave” after Anand drew the last round against Peter Leko to win the title. It was very gratifying.”

Anand had remained undefeated to tally nine points for victory. “The tournament went like a dream,” he said

Anand will leave for Chennai on Wednesday and will be formally felicitated by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) in his home city.