Anand feels Chess will become a medal sports in Olympics in 8 yrs

Chennai, Nov 23 (UNI) Impressed by the performances of the Indians in various international tournaments, World Champion and ''Chess King'' Viswanathan Anand today said chess should become a medal sport in Olympics in eight years' time.

In a brief chat with newspersons after presenting awards to kids in a painting competition organised by the NIIT, for which he is the Brand Ambassador, Anand said, ''It (chess as a medal sport in Olympics) should become a reality in eight years time.'' Strongly favouring the inclusion of chess in Olympics, Anand, the winner of World Titles in all the three formats, said it should be introduced as a demonstration sport in the next Olympics, before making it as a medal sport in eight year's time.

''In the next four years it should become a demonstration sport before it becomes a full-fledged medal sport in Olympics,'' he said and added that this would help India win more medals in the quadrennial event.

''I wish it becomes a reality in eight years' time,'' he said.

Hailing the performance of the Indians in various international meets, Anand said 2008 has been a very good year for India.

''2008 has been a very good year for Indian chess. I hope this trend continues for some more time''.

''Indians had been consistently improved performance and the recent World Junior meet at Vietnam is a pointer to it,'' he said.

India won a handful of medals at Vietnam including a gold by Adhiban in the Under-15 category.

Replying to a query, Anand ruled out opening a chess academy on his own and said, ''I am already with NIIT academy''.

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