The Indian blind chess team is highly motivated and determined to put in their best performance as they prepare to depart for the World Blind Chess Championship at Belgrade

Anand, a motivating force for blind chess players

The Indian blind chess team is highly motivated and determined to put in their best performanceu00a0 as they prepare to depart for the World Blind Chess Championship at Belgrade, Serbia which gets underway on August 26.

"Never has the morale and determination to excel been higher," said coach Charudutta Jadhav, who attributed the euphoric mood to just one personu00a0-- reigning World chess champion Viswanathan Anand.

The great Indian has taken keen interest and has been following the progress of the team right from the time MiD DAY arranged a meeting with him and the youngest-ever National blind champion, 16-year-old Darpan Inani in July.

Anand was impressed by Darpan's attitude and involvement when he met him and had analysed some of his games, offering invaluable insights and advice to the youngster.

After hearing that the expenses for the Indian team had been cleared on just two previous occasions in more than a decade, Anand tried to get things moving monetarily by talking to Gujarat Sports Minister and AICF secretaryu00a0D V Sundar. This resulted in the Gujarat government offering financial aid to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh to Darpan.

Darpan Inani

On Friday, news filtered in that the Central government cleared the expenses for the team. Anand was delighted that the team could now focus on chess and not worry about anything else.

"I am really happy to see them so motivated. What has struck me is their love for chess. I have found that they are preparing intensely for the Championship and are not shying away from hard work.

"I think they are quite motivated and feel deep down that they will be successful," said Anand. The Indian team comprises 16-year-old Darpan, Srikrishna, Ashwin Makwana and Rajesh Oza.

The four players qualified by securing the top four places in the National A Chess Championship for the Blind held last April.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels