NE YOUTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, JAN 8
Legendary chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand is all set to inspire a new generation beyond the chequered board with his upcoming children’s book, Lightning Kid: 64 Winning Lessons from the Boy Who Became Five-Time World Chess Champion. Scheduled for release on January 13, the book distils the most defining moments of Anand’s life and career into 64 crisp, relatable lessons—one for every square on the chessboard.
Smart ideas. Sharp moves. Sheer grit. THIS IS VISHY'S STORY.
'Lightning Kid' by Viswanathan Anand releases on 13 January 2026! Pre-order your copy through this link: https://t.co/lkbk8iwJyE
*#viswanathananand #worldchampion #chesschampion #indianchess #chessreels pic.twitter.com/GPnYWJsvaa— Hachette India (@HachetteIndia) January 4, 2026
- Viswanathan Anand Returns to the Board with ‘Lightning Kid’, a Book for Young Minds
- Five-Time World Champion Shares 64 Winning Life Lessons—One for Every Square
- From Chennai Prodigy to Global Icon, Anand’s Story Meets the Next Generation
Co-written with Susan Ninan and published by Hachette India, Lightning Kid is adapted for young readers from Anand’s bestselling memoir, Mind Master. It reimagines his journey not as a record of trophies alone, but as a roadmap for thinking clearly, staying grounded and learning continuously—on and off the board.
Lessons That Go Beyond the Chessboard
Reflecting on ambition, success and self-awareness, Anand shares a deeply personal perspective drawn from his early years. “When I was six, I remember saying that being a world champion was the most normal ambition. But looking back, becoming something is very easy; how you keep it and learn from it is the difficult part, especially when things are going well,” he says.
Highlighting a lesson often overlooked in moments of success, Anand adds, “It’s when you are succeeding that the alarm bells should ring. But as humans, we often wait for failure to have the courage to take the risk.”
The book captures these insights in a format designed for young readers—simple, sharp and reflective—making chess a metaphor for life decisions, resilience and growth.
From ‘Lightning Kid’ to World Champion
Growing up in Chennai, Anand earned the nickname “Lightning Kid” for his astonishingly fast moves and instinctive brilliance. From those early days as a prodigy to conquering the world stage against the toughest opponents, his journey is filled with dramatic turns, strategic battles and moments of quiet introspection.
Lightning Kid brings these experiences alive for young readers—whether it is learning to stay calm under pressure, bouncing back after a loss, or thinking several moves ahead in a rapidly changing situation.
Sharing the heart of the book, Anand says, “This book is my story, of how I have learnt and still learn from chess, because the lessons do help on the board, but they often also come from off the board, in the bigger game called Life.”
A Champion’s Guide for Young Dreamers
Described as “the tale of a true champion — and a guide to thinking big, staying humble and playing your best game,” the book also features rare photographs from Anand’s personal archives, offering young readers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of India’s greatest sporting icons.
Priced at ₹399, Lightning Kid will be showcased at major literary platforms this month, including the Jaipur Literature Festival, The Hindu Lit For Life, and the Kolkata Literary Meet.
With Lightning Kid, Viswanathan Anand doesn’t just revisit his own winning moves—he invites children everywhere to make smarter, braver and more thoughtful ones in the game of life.
