tressing the importance of chess in helping one improve concentration, Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand [Images] advised children to focus and enjoy the game without worrying about the outcome.

Launching the NIIT [Get Quote] Mind Champion National Schools tournament, the world champion said, "The event will help
students sharpen their ability to concentrate, instill a spirit of competition and help India discover talented chess players in the country of its origin."

This is Anand's advice for students:

"It is important that you do what you love, focus and enjoy the game. Ultimately, the results will just follow. It is a hard job."

Anand said he has often been asked how he promotes chess.

"Parents, principals and teachers of the schools and Government play a huge part in this. The Tamil Nadu Government's commitment to take chess forward is a welcome thing. Tamil Nadu has been dominant in the field of chess. And I hope the state will keep its lead in Indian chess with this kind of backing."

He said it was mind boggling that over 65,000 students competed for honours -- at the national chess tournament -- last year. Over 120,000 students from all over the country had entered the tournament this year.

"I am glad NIIT is investing in popularising the game that could ultimately lead these students improving their scores in studies, too," Anand said.