"I dream of becoming a world champion like Vishy sir" - Arjun Erigaisi honours Viswanathan Anand, shares insights on recent triumphs [Exclusive]

Arjun Erigaisi, at just 21, is basking in the brightest of glory that any chess player can aspire of. In the last few months, the Indian grandmaster has stormed through uncharted territories, with it all starting with a historic gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad 2024.

Post the triumph in Budapest, Erigaisi became only the second Indian player since Viswanathan Anand to have crossed the 2800 in live ELO rating.

In an interaction with Sportskeeda at a felicitation ceremony for the Indian Olympiad Team, Arjun Erigaisi opened up on an ultimate dream that he continues to chase.

"The last few months have been brilliant but my journey has only started. I dream on becoming a world champion like Vishy Anand sir. I feel I am in the right direction to get there. To be like him I need to be the best player of the era when sitting over the board. Also, look at Magnus and how dominant he has been. That is what it takes," said Arjun.

The Telangana-born player currently stands proudly as a World No.3. He opened up on the challenges a chess player must endure on their journey to the very top. Erigaisi shared that it is not as 'easy' physically as everyone on the outside thinks and shared what his process looks like.

"Chess can be challenging. The most under-looked aspect is physical fitness. People on the outside think that you don’t need fitness and it's all easy. But, at the elite level you must be willing to maintain your sharpness for 7-8 hours at a stretch. I ensure I stay fit. I eat and train well. Meditation and yoga helps keep my body maintain its strength even under the most stressful situations," he expressed.

---

India is now realizing how fun chess can be, says Arjun Erigaisi on the rise in love for chess in India

Chess has forever been engrained in India's sporting heritage. However, it has only been a few years since the love for it has peaked.

Arjun Erigaisi feels it is now that the people are realizing how fun the game can be. He shares that it is the success of Indian players over a period of time that has brough in the change.

"When I started chess there wasn’t that much attention. But, since the pandemic there is a big boom. Winning at the Olympiad and with the Indian players excelling everywhere, chess has become grander. Overall, it is a fun game that people like to watch and play. They were just not aware and now more kids are taking it up." concluded Erigaisi.

Arjun Erigaisi might still be very young but he has already shown the world his pedigree. The road ahead for this talented Indian sensation promises to be filled with greater accomplishments and applause.