Ongoing Feud Between Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand Highlights
The tension between Carlsen and Anand dates back to the World Championship matches between them in 2013 and 2014, when Carlsen dethroned Anand.
Even though the matches were a celebration of great chess, Carlsen’s post-match statements often sounded derogatory to Anand‘s legacy.
With time, his arrogance and the constant criticism that he had to make about Anand’s fitness for leadership roles within FIDE made things worse.
The Jeans Incident
A recent incident sharpened their rivalry in relief. Magnus Carlsen wore jeans while playing at the chess tournament; this was in violation of the dress code specified for the event and he was disqualified.
He did not take his disqualification lightly and accused Anand, who was a FIDE Vice President, of being bereft of leadership quality.
Anand replied with dignity, stating that rules must be followed and the game must be played with decorum. It reflected Anand’s professionalism as well as his ability to transcend personal attacks that have made him a statesman of chess.
Carlsen Comments on Gukesh’s Win
Matters worsened when Carlsen downplayed the victory of Indian prodigy Gukesh in a significant chess event. Gukesh defeated Carlsen and won the World Championship-the first ever for India in chess history.
However, Carlsen downplayed the victory and claimed that the win was all because of a blunder committed by Ding Liren, while undermining Gukesh’s prowess and strategy.
Anand, who had been guiding the young Indian talent Gukesh, was in good form in defending the young champion.
He talked about Gukesh’s consistency, resilience, and tactical acumen, saying he fully deserved to win. While defending Gukesh, Anand didn’t just talk about support for emerging talent but reflected his commitment toward fostering the next generation of chess players.
Patterns of Arrogance
About Carlsen’s Behaviour
Many times, it seems that Carlsen is expressing arrogance through the words he writes and says.
When belittling opponents or talking on things sensitive to others who play chess and then violating various rules in other ways, such as refusing to defend his world title in 2023 against any challengers, many find him offending parts of the world of chess players.
Carlsen’s activities have polarized opinion. As a player on the board, there is little debate over his brilliance;
however, his off-board conduct has strained relations with other players, including Anand. In this respect, there are now questions over whether champions should promote the values of the sport.
Anand Contributions to Chess
Career Achievements
The career of Viswanathan Anand is testimony to his relentless commitment to the game, chess. He was the first Indian Grandmaster in 1988.
Anand won five titles in the World Chess Championship, including some of the greatest legends like Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik, which are sure to be remembered for eternity.
Role in FIDE
As FIDE Deputy President, Anand made immense contributions for chess to go global, especially through lesser represented states.
His efforts in trying to popularise chess in school premises and educating younger players aligns with visions about the direction chess should follow into the future.
The impact created by him, in promoting the game for many, commands the respect in chess circles, not unlike Carlsen, who adopts an egotistic approach.
Reaction in Public and Civil Society
Support for Anand
The chess public and the fans have been generally supporting Anand in his match with Carlsen. People admire those like Anand, who remain calm and tolerant in the face of criticism.
The social networking sites are full of praise for his professionalism and sportsmanship.
Carlsen bashing
Carlsen has been severely critiqued, as fans and analysts have addressed his conduct of disrespecting himself and the game. His bad sportmanship shows his careless approach towards Anand and other contenders, though truly talented.
The rivalry between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen also stands stark, comparing their two contrasting personalities that they have created. For sure, brilliance is apparent on the one side, however arrogance alienating so many as he goes for this chess masterpiece.
It continues to be this sportsman to a T’ from all possible aspects, admired around the globe, something Viswanathan Anand was once.
The world has seen this dual, and hence, grandeur in sports is remembered not so much for winning but for showing respect to the game and players.
Anand leaves behind an unblemished legacy of being a champion and statesman of chess, but in the actions of Carlsen lies the room to think about what it is all about being a champion.
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