Viswanathan Anand expects medal after chess reinstated in Asiad 2022

Viswanathan Anand expects medal after chess reinstated in Asiad 2022

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Viswanathan Anand sounded excited about India’s prospect in chess at the next Asian Games in 2022 after it was reinstated into the quadrennial tournament and admitted that he was expecting a medal. India had last won two gold medals in the Asiad back in 2006, and two bronze medals in 2010.

Chess would be returning in China’s Hangzhou, Asiad’s next venue in 2022 and five-time World Champion, Anand seemed content with the development. The 49-year-old was of the opinion that it would be a great incentive for the many to take up the sport and also revealed that he was expecting some medals.

"I am happy about the development. I look forward to a medal from our team," said and the country's first Grand Master, reported PTI.

Though India had failed to win any gold in the 2010 edition, which was held in China’s Guangzhou, they did brilliantly in the one prior to that in Doha in 2006. They managed two golds with Koneru Humpy sealing the top spot in the women's rapid individual event as well as with the mixed team. In 2010, the Indian men had won two bronze medals in the standard team event, while D Harika took the bronze medal in the women's individual (rapid) event. 

Following those editions, chess wasn’t a part of the Asian Games in South Korea’s Incheon, and Indonesia’s Karta respectively. And now with its return, Grand Master Baskaran Adhiban has stated that it would be bringing incentives to the players.

"This (having chess back in the Asiad) is wonderful news. I am very happy to hear that. It is good for the sport and the players, who will stand to receive lot of incentives, which is nice," said Adhiban, who was part of India’s 2010 Asiad campaign.

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