Anand associates himself with a chess academy

Viswanathan Anand on Thursday, agreed to involve himself with a chess academy, proposed by the West Bengal government.

Anand, who was felicitated by the state government for winning the world title for the fifth time, said, "I am willing in principle to do so. But details will have to be worked out."

The chess wizard, who resides in Malaga, Spain, however, said he could not commit himself to come for the proposed academy every two months.

"There will be some serious problems about my schedule. I'm not sure to come in every two months. I will try to come as often as possible."

The state government earlier handed him a cheque of Rs five lakh and Rs one lakh for city GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly who was Anand's second (practice partner) during the world championship.

There were also several gifts, sweets and chocolates showered on Anand who had come here as the state's guest for the first time after winning the title in Moscow.

"Kolkata is a sport loving city. I really like to come here. I am really hononured by the gesture of the West Bengal government," Anand said.

The state government had drawn criticism for its grand felicitation of IPL V winning Kolkata Knight Riders and sports minister Madan Mitra said: "We have felicitated Sachin Tendulkar, KKR and now we are doing it in honour of Anand."

The city's GMs, including Dibyendu Barua, and school children attneded the programme held at Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra.