Viswanathan Anand, one of the most iconic chess players in the world, has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, reflecting his outstanding contribution to the sport and to Indian chess. Here are some key highlights of his honors:
- This was one of his earliest major recognitions. The Padma Shri is one of India’s highest civilian awards, recognizing exceptional achievements in various fields, including sports. Anand’s victory in the 2000 World Chess Championship earned him this prestigious honor.
- A few years after he became the World Chess Champion for the second time, Anand was awarded the Padma Bhushan in recognition of his contributions to chess. This award is the third-highest civilian award in India and highlighted Anand’s role in promoting chess on a global scale.
- In 2014, Anand was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, which is India’s second-highest civilian award, for his exceptional contribution to the sport of chess. This award came after his enduring excellence in chess, his five World Chess Championship titles, and his status as one of the greatest chess players of all time.
- Arjuna Award (1985): India’s highest award for achievement in sports.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1991-92): India’s highest sporting honor.
- Chess Oscar: Anand has won the prestigious Chess Oscar (an award given by journalists and experts) multiple times, recognizing him as the best player in the world in various years.
His remarkable achievements have elevated the stature of Indian chess globally, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of chess enthusiasts.
