India’s first International Master Manuel Aaron (centre) being conferred with the Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam award at KCT in Coimbatore on Tuesday. World chess champion V. Anand (left) and B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar (second left), KCT chairman, in the picture. | Photo Credit: HANDOUT_E_MAIL more-in Five-time world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand inaugurated the Dr. N. Mahalingam Chess Academy at the Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) here on Tuesday. It was nice of KCT to have invited the ‘King of Chess’ to throw open the doors of the Academy as its founder N. Mahalingam (NM) not only loved the game, but also made sure that the country had its own set of kings and queens to rule the world. And, Anand was one. In an exclusive chat with The Hindu, Anand said that this Academy would become a focal point for chess in Coimbatore. “Obviously, they are just starting so we will have to see how it goes but, I believe with the facilities and the resources they can make a big difference. If somebody wants something, whatever level their child is, if they can't find it elsewhere maybe they can look here,” he added. He said he was willing to collaborate but not full-time at the moment. “I am definitely open to collaborating with them. About the Academy, broadly speaking they are still brainstorming and I think their idea is to be as open, accessible and friendly as possible that it becomes a kind of hub for this region.” He wanted the Academy to be a place where people play-off, interact with each other and exchange ideas. Anand also spoke about the championships down the line for him. “It has been a three-month break, quite a long one, and I am quite prepared for the tournaments ahead in Zurich (April), Grand Chess Tour and the non tour events in Lyon and Norway in June. But the World Cup in September is something that is important for me.” He also recalled those winning moments that he had in Coimbatore. “I became a GM here in December 1987 but my connection with the city goes deeper. I got my first international rating and also my Asian junior title here. In fact, many important moments of my career have been in Coimbatore.” Talking about NM, he said he was a rock in which Tamil Nadu chess was built. He took personal care of the players and the officials. His contributions are mighty. I am really honoured and delighted to have opened the Academy.” Earlier, India’s first International Master Manuel Aaron was given the prestigious Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam award for his immense contribution for the development of the game in the State and country. Later, the champion star gave away awards and scholarship amounts of ? 25,000 to three young champions of Coimbatore.

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