‘Unlike chess, I am not chasing results as a human rights activist’

NEWDELHI: Garry Kasparov, the undisputed king of world chess for close to two decades (1985-2005), is now a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has faced arrests and lives in exile in New York. The straight-talking Kasparov prefers to call himself a ‘human rights activist’ who is trying to bring a difference in the life of people. In an interview on Saturday, the 55-yearold spoke about his love for chess, Viswanathan Anand and the upcoming World Championship match between Norwegian Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana of the United States.

Excerpts for human rights. It’s a different story. I do something that doesn’t require the same qualities as sport because in chess I was there to win. Here, it is about making a difference, helping other people. You don’t have the same clear definition of the results. Some say after several years of fighting Putin, you had to live in exile. On the other hand, I feel it was very important to help the world understand the true colour of his

(Putin’s) dictatorship. I applauded Vishy for being stubborn, staying on the top for so long. His appearance helps to promote the game and make it more popular. There are only 16 world champions (classical format) in the history of the game and Vishy is one of them, he is already among the greats. In India, there always have been talent but not big tournaments. It is good that this year they are organising one ($40,000 Tata Steel Rapid & Blitz, Nov 9-14 in Kolkata). favourite. But it would be tough. Caruana is in good shape and Magnus’ latest show in European Cup proves that he is nervous. Proving everyday you are the best is an enormous challenge. I know that. Magnus is now just learning. When you stay on top for so long, something is in the air like a virus. Public wants to see a new face and even subconsciously, it affects your game.