Stuck in Germany for over 3 months, Anand to finally return home

Former world chess champion Viswanathan will be finally reaching India late on Saturday after being stuck in Germany for over three months due to travel restrictions imposed in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

"Yes.. Anand will be returning today," chess maestro's wife Aruna told PTI on Saturday morning.

Anand, who boarded an Air India flight (AI-120) from Frankfurt on Friday night will reach Bengaluru via Delhi.

He is expected to reach Bengaluru at 1.15 pm.

five-time world champion will undergo 14 days quarantine as per rules laid down by Karnataka government.

"He will complete quarantine procedures and come to Chennai as per protocol," Aruna Anand said.

flights from Germany are only scheduled to land only in Delhi and Bengaluru.

chess ace was in Germany to play in Bundesliga chess league and was to return to India, but was forced to stay put after COVID-19 outbreak disrupted sporting schedules across globe, apart from restricting movement.

He was staying near Frankfurt and was doing online commentary for Candidates tournament which was called off mid-way due to pandemic and led Indian team in Online Nations Cup early this month.

Anand h been in touch with his family in Chennai on a regular basis via video calls and kept himself busy with chess related work.