During his visit to Sydney, five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand expressed optimism about Australia’s potential to develop into a renowned chess nation. He highlighted the impressive level of enthusiasm and participation among school children in chess, which he sees as a strong indicator of the sport's growth in the country. Anand, who also serves as the vice president of FIDE, believes that this foundation could lead Australia to host major chess events in the future.

Anand specifically mentioned Sydney's iconic venues as possible host sites for upcoming events, including the franchise-based Global Chess League. He is confident that with the existing interest in chess in schools and other community initiatives, Australia is well-positioned to foster a thriving chess environment. This growth in interest among younger players indicates a bright future for chess in the region, aligning with global trends of increasing participation.

The implications of Anand's visit could be far-reaching for Australia’s chess community, as it may inspire more investments in chess education and infrastructure. His endorsement of Australia as a potential chess powerhouse could attract international events and collaborations, thereby raising the profile of chess in the country. The excitement surrounding Anand’s remarks may also boost local engagement and inspire younger generations to pursue chess competitively.