I would prefer chess to become part of the Olympic Games. This would also lead to chess become more accepted as a sport in general.

Preparedness for a game that usually lasts four-five hours requires good physical condition and also steady nerves.

Confidence is very important - even pretending to be confident. If you make a mistake but do not let your opponent see what you are thinking then he may overlook the mistake.

Psychology plays a big part but I always say psychology will only be a differentiator when the players are of equal technical strength.

When I was about six, I saw my elder siblings play chess and pestered my mother into teaching me. Very soon, I was beating everyone at home, and they thought it would be good to join a club. So my sister would take me to the Tal chess club on Thursdays and weekends.

I was very lucky that while I was a chess player in a country where chess was not a big deal, I happened to be in the one city where there was a sprouting chess team: Chennai.

Chess is like a language, the top players are very fluent at it. Talent can be developed scientifically but you have to find first what you are good at.