World number two Viswanathan Anand will not take part in the Doha Asian Games where chess will figure as a medal sport for the first time in the event's history.
All India Chess Federation Secretary D V Sundar revealed this but did not divulge the reason for Anand's unavailability.
But it is speculated that Anand is apprehensive about taking part in team championship after he lost around 20 ELO points in the Chess Olympiad despite being a part of the second-seeded Indian team early this year.
It is believed that Anand had no problems taking part in the individual competition as it would be played in his favourite Rapid format. But according to the rules of the Games, one has to take part in both categories. The team championship would be played in the Classical format.
Anand's absence notwithstanding, the Indians would still be among the top favourites to clinch the three gold medals at stake for the first time for Asian chess players.
Sundar was confident about Indians picking four medals with top Grandmasters Krishnan Sasikiran, P Harikrishna and Koneru Humpy comprising the Indian team.
"I am sure we will win four medals, one in the team, and three for individual performances. Three out of these four medals could possibly be gold. We will be among the top teams and surely our players will deliver," Sundar said.
The Indian camp is upbeat and is planning well for the event to be held in December, he added. "We will have a camp for the players and make sure that they are able to deliver their best for the country."
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