By IANS
Chennai : World Chess champion Vishwanathan Anand was accorded a warm welcome by a crowd of over 3,000 people from all walks of life, including nearly 500 physically challenged children, who waited patiently at the Kamaraj Domestic Air Terminal here Wednesday.
When the chess ace emerged from the arrival hall – nearly two hours behind schedule as his flight from New Delhi was delayed – there was chaos with photographers and television cameramen jostling with one another to get a better shot.
However, the bespectacled ’emperor of squares’ remained unruffled and managed a brief chat with reporters, during which he expressed happiness that his success was being recognised in his hometown.
“I am really overwhelmed by this spontaneous expression of love and admiration. Further, having learnt that our chief minister (M. Karunanidhi), who is a great man in his own righ,t has announced a reward of Rs.2.5 million exhilarates me,” Anand said.
Later, just a short distance from his parent’s house, Anand was taken in an open chariot with the crowd cheering him on.
However, the tickertape parade that honoured the cricket team in Mumbai was missing with Anand. As it was a working day, media personnel outnumbered the crowd that cheered the champion home.