Checkmate COVID edition: Aamir Khan to play chess against Vishwanathan Anand

Team Udayavani, Jun 11, 2021, 6:19 PM IST

As the country fights the second wave of coronavirus, many celebrities are organizing fundraisers and events so that the proceeds can be donated to people in need.

Chess.com, which had organised an event called ‘Checkmate COVID’ to help members of the chess community affected by COVID-19, has come up with a celebrity edition where Indian chess grandmaster and former world chess champion, Viswanathan Anand will play a ‘simultaneous exhibition’ match alongside Bollywood actor Aamir Khan.

The charity event is a part of Checkmate COVID – Celebrity Edition by Chess.com India and Prachura Padakannaya, CEO – Xcetra Talent Management, in association with Akshaya Patra

The first celebrity edition will be held on 13 June, 2021, at 5.00 pm, and live-streamed on Chess.com India’s official YouTube channel.

Chess.com India wrote on Twitter while announcing the event on social media, “INDIA’S BIGGEST EVER CHESS FUNDRAISING EVENT IS HERE! Wondering what those shadows represent? They are some of India’s well-known celebrities and dignitaries who will play an exhibition chess match against @vishy64theking!”

The moment you all have been waiting for!

Superstar Aamir Khan, an ardent chess lover, will be playing an exhibition match against former world champion Vishy Anand! (@vishy64theking)

Please feel free to donate generously to make this event a success. https://t.co/mgOmSwr54n pic.twitter.com/YFyK1oeka2

— Chess.com – India (@chesscom_in) June 7, 2021

On June 7, the organizers revealed the name of the first celebrity from the lineup.

Prachura Padakannaya, CEO – Xcetra Talent Management, informed that despite being at the forefront in the International chess circuit, India has not received the recognition and prominence it deserves. Events like Checkmate COVID can draw the attention of public and celebrities to the chess fraternity and thereby, support social causes.

While Actor Aamir Khan is well-known as an ace chess player who has played with chess legend Vishwanathan Anand in the past.