Anand receives embarrassing 'welcome'

Unruly scenes were witnessed at the airport when Chess World Champion Vishwanathan Anand arrived in India after winning the crown.

The organisers, one of the top IT education companies of the country for whom Anand is a brand ambassador, failed to control the situation as a result of which the champion had to unceremoniously make his way out from the airport amidst chaotic scenes.

The waiting posse of photographers and cameramen almost climbed over each other to get a shot of the champion which didn't amuse Anand, who quickly made his exit. There was a lot of hackling, shoving and pushing and even Anand was not spared as the organisers as well the Delhi Chess Association officials tried to get photographed with him.

Anand, who became the undisputed Chess World Champion in Mexico city recently, arrived well passed midnight and was supposed to talk to the waiting media persons at the airport but the situation got out of control and he had to leave without doing so.

The organisers had hired a large number of 'volunteers' who were supposed to greet Anand wearing especially prepared T-shirts but they were the once contributing to the chaos which precipitated the embarrassing situation.

It was surely not the type of welcome that the world champion would have envisaged on his return after winning the title in Madrid.

Several chess players including prodigy Sahaj Grover were there at the airport but did not get a chance to meet their idol.