New Delhi: In a candid and wide-ranging interview, 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa opened up about his journey in 2025, closing the gap with Magnus Carlsen, India’s exploding chess scene, and his singular focus on qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Fresh from a strong showing at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial in Armenia—where he tied on points with Aravindh Chidambaram but placed second on tiebreak—Praggnanandhaa remains unfazed. “I scored +4, which is quite good in this field. I don’t focus too much on finishing first or second—it’s more about whether I played well,” he said.
The Chennai-based grandmaster began 2025 on a high note, winning the prestigious Tata Steel Chess tournament—only the second Indian ever to do so after Viswanathan Anand. “That gave me a huge confidence boost after a tough year. It helped reset my mindset,” he admitted.
When asked about Magnus Carlsen’s recent comments questioning whether younger players are ready to challenge him, Praggnanandhaa agreed the world champion remains ahead—but only just. “Magnus is still a level above everyone, and that’s undeniable. But the younger generation is closing in. We’re improving rapidly and producing strong results,” he said confidently.
This year, he has also consciously changed his playing style. “I’ve been more ambitious, pushing for wins rather than settling for draws. That’s made a big difference,” he noted.
Looking ahead, his 2025 calendar is packed as he chases a Candidates berth. He’s set to compete in the UzChess Cup in Tashkent, the Grand Chess Tour Rapid in Croatia, and the Freestyle Chess Tournament in Las Vegas. “My main goal this year is to qualify for the 2026 Candidates. The schedule is tight, but I’m focused,” he emphasized.
Praggnanandhaa is a proud product of India’s growing chess ecosystem. “Without Anand Sir, Indian chess wouldn’t be what it is today. He’s been a huge inspiration. I started playing when he was world champion,” he recalled. A defining childhood memory? “In 2012, my school took us to the airport to welcome him after he beat Gelfand. That moment really inspired me. Within a month, I won the Asian U9.”
He attributes much of his rise to both domestic competition and increased financial backing. “The chess scene in India is very competitive—many underrated players make even foreigners struggle at open events here. And corporate sponsorships like mine from the Adani Group allow me to train with a full team and bring seconds to tournaments. That makes a huge difference.”
Beyond the chessboard, family support remains his foundation. His sister Vaishali is also a top-level player, and their sibling bond includes sharing strategies even from different continents. “She was playing in Norway while I was in Armenia, but we still exchanged ideas. Sometimes I steal her prep—and she steals mine,” he laughed.
His parents, too, have been unwavering pillars of support. “My mother travels with me to tournaments, and my father handles things at home. They talk to me every day when I’m away. Without them, none of this would be possible,” he said warmly.
As he marches forward, Praggnanandhaa remains clear-eyed, humble, and hungry. The gap with the greats may remain for now—but he and India’s new chess generation are closing in.
