Mumbai, Apr 13 (IANS): Superstar Aamir Khan said that he is an enthusiast of the game of chess, which his grandmother taught him, and wants more kids to take up the sport as it builds their mind and analytical abilities.

"I have been a chess enthusiast all my life, my grandmother taught me the game, since then I have been playing the game, I am always looking for people to play with. It is a wonderful and beautiful game, a game which really builds the mind of a child and their analytical abilities," said Aamir, who was present at an event to honour chess genius Vishwanathan Anand with the Hridaynath Award, an award to honour accomplished personalities across various streams.

"I think more and more kids across the country should take up this game. That is something that Anand is doing, lot of kids look at him and want to learn and play the game," said Aamir.

About Anand, he said, "I am one of Anand's biggest fans. All of us are huge fans of him as a chess player, he is amazing and one of the best in the world. What I find truly remarkable about him is as an icon, someone that the nation looks up to. He is someone who conducts himself with such grace, such dignity, and he is such an inspiration to young people across the country."

"At a time when we really need icons, who believe in hardwork and dedication, he is someone who stands out like a shining beacon and truly this honour is one that he deserves," the Dangal actor added further.

Aamir had played a game of chess with Anand at an event for the Maharashtra Chess League, in May last year, which had made headlines, where he had also said that he is open to doing a film on chess.

Recalling the incident, he said, "I am not a person who likes to lose, I hate losing. But I can tell with all honesty that the one time I really enjoyed losing, was to Anand, the one time that I got to play with him, of course I lost, there is no question about it."

Aamir is currently working on his next film "Dangal".