“Initiatives like the Global Chess League are important to push chess to further heights,” says Grandmaster Anish Giri ahead of his debut in season 2
~ Anish Giri is set to feature as the Icon player for PBG Alaskan Knights ~
London/India, 6th September 2024: As the clock ticks closer to the second season of the Global Chess League, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, Grandmaster Anish Giri took a moment to share his excitement and plans ahead of his debut at the one-of-a-kind chess event, scheduled to take place from October 3rd to 12th in London.
“I am thrilled to be part of the event this year. I couldn’t join last year due to a scheduling conflict, but I followed the finale with great excitement. Looking forward to being on the other side of the screen this time,” expressed Giri, who will feature as an Icon player for the Punit Balan Group-owned PBG Alaskan Knights.
He is set to compete against Icon players, including Magnus Carlsen (Alpine SG Pipers), Hikaru Nakamura (American Gambits), Viswanathan Anand (Ganges Grandmasters), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (upGrad Mumba Masters), and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Triveni Continental Kings). “The line-up is absolutely stacked this time. My board is going to be insanely strong,” acknowledged Giri.
Despite the challenge, the 30-year-old Grandmaster has only one goal in mind, and that is – “winning!” “I will do my utmost best to live up to the challenge,” he added.
Sharing his thoughts on the Global Chess League’s unique joint team format, Giri said, “We are yet to see if the concept will take off in our sport as well as it did in cricket, but such initiatives are important to try and push chess to further heights, using the momentum that it has gotten in the last few years.”
He further added, “I believe if we play our cards right, being part of the team will help each player shine. It can add to the pressure, but with the positive team spirit, it turns into support.”
Giri is one of the popular chess figures on social media.
In a message to his fans ahead of his Global Chess League debut, Giri said, “I am always happy to hear positive responses on my social media and anything I do on and off the board. I try to entertain others and myself. I think you perform better when in a good mood; it is scientifically proven.”
Giri also shared his off-the-board plans for the 10-day event in London: “I have played in London before. It is among the most spectacular cities. There will be no shortage of sightseeing options, restaurants, and places to relax.”
About Tech Mahindra Global Chess League
The Global Chess League is the world’s first and largest official franchise league of its kind, with chess players from all over the world competing in a unique joint team format. It is a joint venture between Tech Mahindra, a part of the Mahindra Group, and FIDE. The league will feature male and female chess champions competing in the same team. Playing on the popular rapid format, the league’s joint male-female teams will have the rare distinction of being a unique multiplayer team in the world of professional sports. In addition, the league is a one-of-its-kind live televised chess event offering fans a unique viewing experience. Tech Mahindra and FIDE will explore innovative ways to promote the game through interactive technology-enabled platforms by leveraging next-generation technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, among others.
For more information on Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, please visit: https://globalchessleague.com/
Contact: Abhilasha Gupta, Head – Global Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Tech Mahindra
Email: abhilasha.gupta@techmahindra.com; media.relations@techmahindra.com
