Viswanathan Anand Biography: Age, Wife, Family, Chess Career and Unknown Facts
Quick Info →
Age:
56 years
Hometown:
Chennai
Wife:
Aruna Anand
Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Viswanathan Anand |
| Profession | Chess Grandmaster |
Physical Stats & More
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper |
| Height | 5' 6" (168 cm) |
| Weight | 70 Kg |
Career
| Career Journey | Became India's first Grandmaster in 1988. Won the World Chess Championship five times (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012). Held the World No. 1 ranking multiple times. Known for his exceptional speed in rapid chess. |
| Awards & Honors | Padma Vibhushan (2007) Padma Bhushan (2000) Padma Shri (1987) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1991–92) Arjuna Award (1985) |
| Achievments | Became India's first Chess Grandmaster in 1988. Won the World Junior Chess Championship in 1987. Won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000. Became the Undisputed World Chess Champion in 2007. Successfully defended the World Chess Championship in 2008, 2010, and 2012. Became the first player to win the World Chess Championship in knockout, tournament, and match formats. Won the World Rapid Chess Championship in 2003. Achieved the World No. 1 ranking multiple times during his career. Won the prestigious Chess Oscar six times (1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008). Won the Tata Steel (Wijk aan Zee) Chess Tournament five times. Won the prestigious Linares Super Tournament three times. Represented India in several Chess Olympiads and international team events. Served as the Deputy President of FIDE (International Chess Federation). Played a key role in inspiring India's modern generation of chess grandmasters. Received the Arjuna Award (1985). Received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (1991–92). Received the Padma Shri (1987). Received the Padma Bhushan (2000). Received the Padma Vibhushan (2007), India's second-highest civilian award. Became one of the greatest chess players in history with five World Championship titles. |
Personal Life
| Date of Birth | 11 December 1969 |
| Age | 56 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Educational Qualification | School: Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai College: Loyola College, Chennai Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) |
| Hometown | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
Family
| Wife/Spouse | Aruna Anand (m. 1996) |
| Father | K. Viswanathan (Former General Manager, Southern Railways) |
| Mother | Sushila Viswanathan (Introduced him to chess) |
| Children | Akhil Anand |
Favourites
| Hobby | Reading, Listening to music & Following sports |
Money Factor
| Net Worth (approx) | ₹40–60 crore |
Social Media
| X | @vishy64theking |
| @vishy.mindmaster |
Some Lesser Known Facts
- He learned chess at the age of six. His mother, Sushila Anand, introduced him to the game and played a key role in developing his interest.
- He earned the nickname “Lightning Kid.” Anand became famous for making quick yet accurate moves during chess matches.
- He was India’s first Grandmaster. He achieved the Grandmaster title in 1988, becoming the country’s first player to do so.
- He has won the World Chess Championship in multiple formats. Anand is one of the few players to become world champion in knockout, tournament, and match formats.
- He speaks several languages. Besides English, he is fluent in Tamil, Hindi, Spanish, and German.
- He has represented India in numerous Chess Olympiads. Anand has been one of India’s most successful players in international team competitions.
- He is a recipient of India’s highest sporting honors. He has received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
- He is known for his calm and humble personality. Despite his global success, Anand is admired for his modesty and sportsmanship.
- He has inspired a new generation of Indian chess players. Many young grandmasters credit Anand for popularizing chess in India.
- He is known for his excellent memory and rapid calculations. These abilities have helped him excel in both classical and rapid chess formats.
- He has been honored by FIDE for his contributions to chess. Anand is regarded as one of the greatest ambassadors of the sport.
- He continues to mentor young Indian chess players. His achievements have inspired India’s rise as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.
- Viswanathan Anand shares a close bond with his family. He is married to Aruna Anand, and the couple has a son named Akhil Anand. His family has supported him throughout his successful chess career.