At 56, most sporting legends are content with commentary roles and ambassadorial duties. But Viswanathan Anand, India's chess icon, proved he is far from ordinary. In a stunning display of skill and determination, the five-time World Champion marked his return to the competitive board with a spectacular second-place finish in the Rapid segment of the 2026 Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz Tournament in Kolkata. This performance wasn't just a flash in the pan; it was the result of a deliberate plan by a 'fed up' legend who missed the thrill of battle.
The Decision to Return: From Spectator to Competitor
Anand's journey back to the tournament hall in Kolkata was born out of restlessness. Having attended the event as an ambassador since 2020 after playing in its first three editions, the feeling of merely watching finally became unbearable. "I got fed up with not playing," Anand confessed. He described the peculiar challenge of being a spectator at a top-tier event, noting that standing on the sidelines year after year was, in fact, "much harder than playing." This frustration crystallized into a firm decision at the end of 2025: it was time to compete again.
His return wasn't impulsive. Anand strategically plotted a warm-up sequence to shake off the rust of semi-retirement. "The biggest problem recently is that after seven or eight months of not playing chess, you forget that aspect," he explained, highlighting the mental leap from analyzing games to actually making critical decisions over the board. His comeback trail included the Jerusalem Masters, where he reached the final only to lose to young Indian star Arjun Erigaisi, followed by participation in the Global Chess League (GCL). This series of events served as the perfect preparation for the Tata Steel showdown in Kolkata.
The Kolkata Campaign: A Rollercoaster Ride to Second Place
Anand hit the ground running in Kolkata. For the first two days of the Rapid event, he found himself in joint lead, first with American Grandmaster Hans Niemann after Day 1, and then alongside Nihal Sarin after Day 2. His play demonstrated that his understanding of modern chess remained razor-sharp, even against a field brimming with the best of the new generation.
The final day, however, presented a dramatic twist. Nihal Sarin surged ahead after a draw with R. Praggnanandhaa and a stunning, 13-move dismantling of the usually solid Wesley So. This left Anand needing a win against Nihal in their direct encounter to clinch the title. In a calculated decision, Anand chose a different path. He opted for a safe draw, securing a clear second place rather than risking everything for the win.
He later explained his pragmatic choice: "I could have done something incredibly risky, but it depends whether you're in the mood for that or not." He also pointed to the unexpected nature of Wesley So's quick loss, which altered the standings. "I didn't really think about it beforehand, but by the end, I didn't want to take such a risk," Anand stated, showcasing the seasoned judgment of a champion who knows when to push and when to consolidate.
Building Form and Looking Ahead
Despite a busy schedule that included a short holiday and the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Doha, Anand revealed that foundational work done in October and November 2025, in consultation with GM Sandipan Chanda, carried him through the event. He admitted to doing no specific preparation for Kolkata but relied on this built-up readiness and the match practice from Jerusalem and the GCL.
Looking forward to 2026, the chess maestro remains characteristically non-committal about his full schedule but expects many invitations from the previous year to be repeated. "Let them announce the tournament, and that's how it will be," he said, keeping his cards close to his chest. His performance in Kolkata sends a clear message to the chess world: Viswanathan Anand, the legend, is back in the game, not just to participate, but to challenge for top honors. His journey from a 'fed up' spectator to a title contender is a masterclass in resilience and enduring passion for the sport.
