‘I’m happy with my motivation levels’

While the men’s team faces a strong challenge from Russia, Ukraine and Armenia, I feel the women have a good chance of doing well in the Chess Olympiad, maybe even win a gold. For the event, Elibzar Obilava (who has been Anand’s second) could be our coach.

MOTIVATION’S THE TRICK

I’m reasonably happy with my form (in 2004). It’s great winning so many prestigious tournaments (Corus Grandmasters, Dortmund & Mainz Classic). The nice thing is that I have been able to maintain motivation levels. It’s very necessary, otherwise your performance drifts

OSCARS ENCORE

I think I have a good chance of winning the chess Oscar (again). Though I have won it three times, it still means a lot to me. With confusion over the world chess title, the Chess Oscar is a de facto recognition of your superiority

INDIA ON THE RIGHT TRACK

I think the chess scene here is very promising. Any boom takes its time to have effect. Lots of young players have taken up the game in the past decade and I’m hopeful we will see many breaking the Elo-2600 barrier over the next ten years. If you compare the scene with 1982-83, it has completely changed. We have definitely made a big progress.

CASH CRUNCH

We need corporate sponsorship in a big way. I think the All-India Chess Federation (AICF) should look to bring more money to tournaments. It should try to sell the game by taking more professional approach and by appointing a sports marketing agency. The game should be able to give back mileage to the corporates

UNLUCKY CHARM!

I went to see two matches in last year or so and both time the teams which I was backing lost. I went to see David Beckham’s first match for Real Madrid but Real lost to Mallorca. This year in March, I went to watch the Indian hockey team and they too lost. I should now watch matches with binoculars instead of being there!