Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhboot Al Nahyan, the President of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), lauded the victory of Indian Grand Master Viswanathan Anand at the World Championship in Mexico City earlier this week.
"The victory of Anand is a big boost for the game in Asia. We are really happy and pleased with the player's achievement." Shaikh Sultan said yesterday.
GM Anand, the highest ranking chess player in the world, defeated GM Peter Leko of Hungary in the decisive tie of the championship.
Big victory
Shaikh Sultan, who is also the President of Al Ain Chess Club, said that "I talked to Anand on phone as soon as he finished his final match and congratulated him on his big victory. I also called the President of India Chess Association N. Srinivasan and expressed our pleasure and happiness in the ACF for the international achievement."
"We, the members of the ACF, are proud that Anand has won the World Championship for men following the victory of Chinese lady Xu Yuhua who won the women's World Championship only months ago," Shaikh Sultan added.
Shaikh Sultan sent the ACF General Secretary Hosham Al Taher Al Amin to New Delhi to take part in the reception to Anand who will arrive tomorrow, to his country.
Al Taher said: "It is a great achievement and it is also an indication that Asia became the powerhouse of the world's chess game winning both titles for the men and women.
"It also signals the increasing emphasis given to the game by the ACF headed by Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhboot Al Nahyan who is keen to support, improve and spread the game in the world's biggest continent," Al Taher told Gulf News.
"I am happy and honoured to be with the top Indian officials who will meet Anand at the airport upon his arrival tomorrow," Al Taher added.
