Updated On: 27 July, 2022 09:18 PM IST | Chennai | PTI
Anand, a five-time world champion, had decided not to participate this time but he will be guiding the Indian team at the showpiece event to be held in Mamallapuram from July 28 to August 10

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India chess legend Viswanathan Anand is happy being an "enthusiastic mentor" and never thought of reconsidering his decision of not playing in the Olympiad after it was moved out of Russia and allotted to Chennai. Anand, a five-time world champion, had decided not to participate this time but he will be guiding the Indian team at the showpiece event to be held in Mamallapuram from July 28 to August 10.
"No, I did not (consider playing)... I was not going to play anyway wherever it was happening. Recently I have been reducing my commitments," the 52-year old said when asked if he thought of reconsidering his decision of not playing in the Olympiad. "The World championship cycle, I am not trying to qualify. In fact, I did not think of changing my mind. India has so many great youngsters now. Then why should we keep coming back. I hope that they will do very well. "I will try to be around if they want to consult me. Anyway I am in constant touch with some of the team members. It will be an extension of that. Yeah, I will be an enthusiastic mentor."
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