Viswanathan Anand, the grand Chessmaster is a former world champion and the current world rapid chess champion. With a last minute entry, Anand, went into the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Riyadh with a pessimistic attitude in his own words. He thought the format of the championship wasn’t for an ageing champion like himself. But as champions do, Anand conquered and eventually won the world championship. His critics have been going after the 48 year old champion for his recent spate of sub par performances, and as they say, success is the best revenge.
Expectedly, Anand was at the top of the world after his victory.
Thanks all!! Feeling is like floating. My head keeps playing the song… we are the champions! The words ring so true. More on this moment after the blitz!
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 28, 2017
Soon enough, the congratulatory messages started pouring in.
He was congratulated by the President of India.
Thank you . Your excellency
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 29, 2017
Rahul Gandhi, the President of Congress party.
Thank you
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 29, 2017
And finally, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thank you sir. Its my privilege. Everytime I hear the anthem on the winners podium , that one moment you fight back your tears just watching the tri colour go up.
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 29, 2017
While responding to everyone like the gentleman he truly is, one social media user couldn’t help but notice the difference in the manner in which he chose to respond to Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The difference in reply. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/Oqt6aIpeCA
— Heathen (@jn_mec) December 29, 2017
While Rahul Gandhi got a mere ‘thank you’, the reserved champion expressed his deep sense of nationalism while hearing the national anthem and the Tri-colour being unfurled after taking the winner’s podium.
Perhaps the difference in response stems from how the Congress party has been denigrating the sentiment of nationalism at every opportunity it gets and how Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly proclaims that the sense of nationalism is above all.
Social media users were also thrilled by Anand’s response:
Excellent Bro. What an excellent way to express nationalistic feeling. https://t.co/gdNN3wBmHM
— vasudevan raghavan (@vasuraghavan) December 29, 2017
For all those who believe India is just piece of land and for people who have problem with the Tricolour being unfurled every now and then, This is what it means to most Indians..
So well articulated by one of the greatest Indian achiever of all time.Thank you @vishy64theking https://t.co/u8UkAu3Qrk
— Harabilash Panigrahi (@chefficiency) December 29, 2017
This is so sweet. This exchange between the PM and a star sportsperson. https://t.co/3V6I4jOEJU
— Kirti Pandey (@KirtiPandey) December 29, 2017
Others pre-empted that this show of nationalism may elicit “outrage” from the usual suspects:
Jan Gan Man outrage in 3… 2… https://t.co/LXr17ZHv5N
— Batla (@Batla_G) December 29, 2017
Vishy you sanghi, you ultra nationalist! Talking too much about National anthem and Tri colour. https://t.co/oGlmtVIH5n
— Bhargab (@bhargabsarma) December 29, 2017
Viswanathan Anand has made the country proud on several occasions. He has held the flag high and brought glory to every citizen of this country with his championships. It is certain that a man of his stature would be a sworn nationalist, and dare we say, his responses are a testament to that fact.
We congratulate Mr. Anand on his spectacular victory!
