Teen Chess Sensation R Praggnanandhaa Secures Spot in Candidates Tournament
Elated Mother Highlights Supportive Journey and Future Prospects
Image Source: The Times of India
In a remarkable feat, 18-year-old chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has clinched a coveted spot in the Candidates Tournament, solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of chess. Following an impressive performance at the FIDE World Cup in Baku, where he made it to the final rounds, Praggnanandhaa’s journey has captivated both chess enthusiasts and the public alike. He is now only the second Indian player, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, to reach this milestone and the youngest to achieve it.
Dream Run in FIDE World Cup Culminates in Hard-Fought Battle
Praggnanandhaa’s journey to the FIDE World Cup final was nothing short of remarkable. The young grandmaster’s path was eventually halted by the world’s top-ranked player, Magnus Carlsen. Despite a valiant effort, the tie-breaker favored Carlsen, resulting in a 1.5-0.5 victory. Praggnanandhaa’s participation in the final served as a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
Nurturing Success: A Mother’s Integral Role
Behind Praggnanandhaa’s success stands his mother, R Nagalakshmi, who played an integral role in creating an environment conducive to his growth as a chess player. She accompanied him to national and international events, ensuring he had the necessary support and resources to excel. The images of Nagalakshmi went viral on social media, inadvertently shining a spotlight on her as well.
Nagalakshmi shared, “During the quarterfinals of the World Cup (against compatriot Arjun Erigaisi), I was so engrossed in thinking what Praggnanandhaa was up to… that was the only thing which was going on in my mind. Later on, I found those photos had gone viral. I didn’t even know they clicked those pictures.”
Triumph Over Adversity: Praggnanandhaa’s Quarterfinal Victory
One of the pivotal moments of Praggnanandhaa’s journey was his quarterfinal match against fellow Indian chess player Arjun Erigaisi. With a come-from-behind victory of 5-4, Praggnanandhaa displayed his resilience and strategic prowess. His mother expressed her pride in witnessing this hard-fought quarterfinal win.
A Surprise Call from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
The family’s joy reached new heights when they received a surprise call from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. Nagalakshmi shared the heartwarming moment, stating, “We also got a surprise call from our Chief Minister. It was an overwhelming moment because when he called, it was very late in the night (in India due to the one-and-a-half-hour time difference), but he still managed to find time to wish Pragg. I also spoke to him, and it was good to hear that even he was following the game from Chennai.”
Looking Ahead: Praggnanandhaa’s Path to Success
As Praggnanandhaa prepares to embark on his journey to the Candidates Tournament, his accomplishments thus far have underscored his potential as a future chess champion. With the support of his dedicated mother, the chess community, and his nation at large, he continues to pave the way for a promising career in the realm of competitive chess.
The grandmaster’s relentless pursuit of excellence has not only brought him recognition but has also inspired countless individuals to follow their dreams, showing that with determination and unwavering dedication, extraordinary accomplishments are within reach.
-Prince Kumar
Team Profile
Latest entries
News1 September 2023Australia’s Matthew Hayden Advises Rohit Sharma to Exercise Caution Against Shaheen Afridi in Upcoming Clash
News1 September 2023Prithvi Shaw Set to Return to Northamptonshire in 2024 After Stellar Performance in 2023
News30 August 2023Tottenham Knocked Out of English League Cup in Second Round After Penalty Shootout Loss to Fulham
News29 August 2023Neeraj Chopra: The Epitome of Consistency in Indian Athletics
