Which chess prodigy from India achieved the title of Grandmaster at the age of 12, breaking records as the youngest ever at the time?

The chess prodigy from India who achieved the title of Grandmaster at the age of 12, breaking records as the youngest ever at the time, is Viswanathan Anand, commonly known as Vishy Anand. Born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai (formerly Madras), India, Anand's remarkable talent and rapid rise to chess greatness have made him an inspiration for aspiring players worldwide. Anand's chess journey began at a young age, and he quickly demonstrated his exceptional abilities on the chessboard. He won several national and international junior chess championships, drawing attention to his immense potential. Anand's big breakthrough came in 1987 when he became the first Asian to win the World Junior Chess Championship. In 1988, at the age of 18, Anand achieved the title of International Grandmaster, a testament to his precocious talent and hard work. However, it was his remarkable performance in the chess world that led to him being widely recognized as one of the brightest stars in the game. 

In 1991, Vishy Anand made history by winning the Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge for the World Chess Championship. Although he narrowly missed becoming the World Chess Champion in his first attempt, losing to Garry Kasparov in 1995, Anand's performance demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest levels.

Anand's relentless pursuit of excellence led him to secure the World Chess Championship in 2000, defeating Alexei Shirov in the final. He successfully defended his title multiple times, cementing his status as one of the world's top players.

Known for his dynamic and creative style of play, Anand was praised for his deep understanding of various chess positions and his ability to find ingenious moves on the board. His mastery in rapid and blitz chess further established his dominance across different time controls.

Throughout his illustrious career, Vishy Anand continued to make significant contributions to chess. He remained a prominent figure in the world of competitive chess, consistently ranking among the top players in the world. Anand also played a crucial role in popularizing chess in India and was instrumental in inspiring a new generation of Indian chess players.

Beyond his achievements on the board, Anand's demeanor and sportsmanship earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike. He exemplified the values of fairness, humility, and dedication throughout his career, making him not only a chess legend but also a true ambassador for the sport.

In conclusion, Vishy Anand's exceptional talent and groundbreaking achievements in chess have left an indelible mark on the game's history. His remarkable feat of becoming the youngest Grandmaster at the time showcased his extraordinary potential, and his subsequent successes have firmly established him as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Vishy Anand's legacy as a chess prodigy from India continues to inspire chess enthusiasts and players worldwide to pursue excellence in the game they love.