Anish Giri

“If you are serious about being a professional chess player, do know what your parents think and what their expectations are from you.”

“My mother is Russian and father Nepalese, so we always had a chess board at home. Chess is part of the culture in both Russia and Nepal.”

“I started chess around the age of seven. I was inspired by the game, but soon legends like Kasparov, Karpov, Fischer, Anand and many other world champions captivated me.”

“Online chess is very popular and cool, don't get me wrong, but it is a different discipline.”

“Being one of the lucky ones I shouldn't be complaining, but for the chess world in general it would be good to find a structure in which chess professionals of lower levels would make a good living as well.”

“I like Hindi movies. Although my wife thinks the hero and heroine breaking into a song and dance every five minutes is ridiculous, but I find them entertaining.”

“Spending most of my time on chess there is not much else I can be much good at but I enjoy spending time with my wife, parents, siblings and friends, listening to music, some sports, the Web and well... the usual stuff.”

“Top players are privileged in the chess world.”

“I have tremendous respect for my colleagues.”

“Online it is much more important to have good quick instincts and the nature of opening preparations changes too, as there is less time to delve deep into the position once the computer preparation ends.”

“Despite having an Indian grandmother and a Nepalese father, I have never been to India before. I have been to Nepal a couple of times, which isn't that far.”

“Shaking hands is meant as a sign of respect towards your opponent.”

“Yes, I think I have some good knowledge of India. I have lots of Indian friends in the chess fraternity.”

“I did take part in a couple of Vishy Anand's training camps. The experience has truly been invaluable. I saw from up close the level of preparation that I should be striving for.”

“I believe it is a good thing that there is always quite a lot of online attention around me, it only helps to popularize our fascinating sport and get the fans more excited to watch our games.”

“For the moment, I am more focused on classical chess rather than rapid and blitz, as I am hoping to make my move in the classical World championship cycle.”

“I barely know what my plans are for tomorrow, but I hope chess will remain a major part of my life.”

“Since I used to visit Nepal often in the past with my father, I have a fair idea about festivals and culture of both Nepal and India. The two countries have many similarities.”

“As a chess player I learn to adapt to new situations and always try to make the best move without looking back or asking why and how I ended up in a situation I ended up in.”

“No, playing online is an entirely different experience and classical chess events never happen online.”