Viswanathan Anand has had a 'tangible effect' on chess in India with his amazing performances, motivating a lot of youngsters to take up the game, former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid said on Monday.
"Winning one World Championship in itself is phenomenalÂ… he has come back to win another. It shows his determination, drive and mental strength. That in itself is a fantastic feat," Dravid said at a felicitation ceremony for Anand in Chennai.
"He has shown the way for others in the country. He is the first world champion in India. When you have someone to follow it becomes easy. But he had no one. He has done it on his own," Dravid said showering praise on the Chennai born 37-year-old World Champion.
"What I see here today is an Anand effect," Dravid said.
Dravid, who was an hour late because of a delayed flight, told the gathering that when the All India Chess Federation President N Srinivasan invited him for the function, he readily accepted because he wanted to meet the champion.
"I have followed his achievement with great pride. He is an inspiration not only for me, but for all Indians."
"He has been a fantastic role model for sportsmen...for all Indians. He has gone about with dignity, even after being a double world champion, which should be a lesson for all Indians," Dravid said.
Dravid also requested Anand to write a book on chess, which would not only be cherished by people who follow the game but also for people who want to succeed in life.
"You have been a huge inspiration to all of us," he said.
