Krishnan Sasikiran in the January 2007 became only the second chess player after Viswanathan Anand from India to reach the Elo rating of 2700. He won a gold medal in 2006 Asian Games at Doha and is still the second best India behind Anand in FIDE world rankings. In conversation with Avinash Kr. Dhar of Indian Sports News, Sasikiran talks about his best memories, the game and many more. EXCERPTS:

ISN: Can you share your good memories from the past?
Sasi: Doha Asian Games was special. In Doha, we managed to win gold. There we also managed to defeat China. Half of the tournament I managed to score 2700 for the first time. The next time I cracked was in 2009 January and I could stay there for some time. Till now, that is March I have been able to maintain it. Then I have good memories of Pampalona, Spain in under-17 category. It was a major achievement since I won by a margin of one point and was one of the major tournaments I have played so far.

ISN: How was it like in Doha…what made it so special?
Sasi: Doha is one of my favourite places. The Games were fantastically organised. Harikishna, Hampi coordinated well and the atmosphere was very good. We did well as a team. It was a huge break and winning a gold medal was special. Chess was not included in Olympics. Here it was included in the Asian Games, so was proud to bring a gold medal for the country. It was an important milestone and always had a belief that I have the potential.

ISN: How were you feeling after reaching 2700 points for first time?
Sasi: It was good to reach that level but could not maintain it for long. Now I’m again at 2700, and hope to maintain it.

ISN: How long do you think will it take to reach the feat which Viswanathan Anand has achieved so far?
Sasi: It's a big difference of 100-120 points. I will give my best efforts to reach that level. But it will take at least four to five years. We have age difference of 11 years. Lot of things need to be worked upon by me. He is unbelievably talented and puts lot of efforts in his game while playing. But right now I feel, I have lot of scope to improve.

ISN: Tell me one instance where you felt you really came from the back?
Sasi: Many instances, but last year in Delhi I came back after having two back to back losses. But I fought back and finished second. Enjoyed playing in Delhi.

ISN: Is the Sports Authority or any organisation working to promote the game of chess in India?
Sasi: See obviously Sports Authority of India and Airport Authority of India is helping to promote the game in India. But the support of ONGC is phenomenal. ONGC has supported me a lot. I was at 2500, when I joined in 1999 and now I have 2700 points. Without their support 200 points would have not come.

ISN: How was the journey from 2500 to 2700 points?
Sasi: It was tough, it has been 11 years. There are moments when I made 2700 but was not confident. And could not believe it myself that I got it, But once I got matured over the years and I started believing that I got it and should move ahead from 2700.

ISN: Who is the motivation behind your game?
Sasi: It's not motivation, but yet some sort of inspiration from Garry Kasparov. His psychological preparations and technicalities were so much clear that it’s difficult to achieve his level. But in best possible ways, I will try to do my best.

ISN: Compared to Anand how early or late did you started playing chess?
Sasi: I started only at the age of 10. After finishing 10, I left school for one year and I spent time training at home. My dad only taught me. My interest came from my dad. But then I managed to pick up afterwards. Till the age of 10 years, I used to play with my grandfather but from the age of 10, I started taking it seriously and started participating in school tournaments.

ISN: Are authorities doing something to bring some new talents?
Sasi: About Tamil Nadu in schools, they have made it compulsory. Amount of work these days authorities and organisations like ONGC is putting is good. So it can only improve from here onwards. New emerging talents like Abhijeet and Adhiban are doing well and are good prospects.