Updated Feb 25, 2021 | 16:35 IST
In India, cricket is a religion, where fans and sponsors flock to. But, some companies have not shied away from supporting the less-watched game of chess.
Anand Mahindra (File photo) 
When two Anands sign on a deal, it is bound to be of epic proportions! On February 22, Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, took his Twitter followers by surprise when he announced a first-of-its-kind Global Chess League. In the tweet, he named Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand as his ‘co-conspirator’.
So, what are the two Anands cooking? As per the press release, Tech Mahindra is launching a phygital (physical and digital) chess league in partnership with five-time World Chess Champion Vishy Anand, who will mentor, advise and help shape the league. Initial plans suggest that eight franchise-owned teams from across the world, comprising of titled women and men players along with juniors and wildcard entrants, will play each other in a round-robin format. According to the former World Champion, “…through this unique global league format, we will be able to keep the spirit of chess intact and ensure the right platform is provided to upcoming talent.”