In an exclusive interview, Indian chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa discusses his incredible journey, from becoming an international master at age 10 to his current status among the world’s best players. Now 19, he shares insights into how he handles fame and the factors behind India’s recent surge in chess talent.
The Secret to Staying Grounded
Praggnanandhaa admits that handling fame at a young age was once difficult, but he is now “used to it.” He credits his grounded nature to a combination of experience, his upbringing, and a deliberate strategy to stay focused. He avoids reading what others write about him and stays off social media during tournaments, choosing instead to focus solely on his game.
India’s Chess Boom and Future Goals
The grandmaster believes India’s success in producing top-level chess talent is due to a combination of factors, starting with the inspiration from legendary player Viswanathan Anand. He points out that many of today’s top Indian players were inspired by Anand’s 2013 World Chess Championship match. Praggnanandhaa also highlights the strong support system in India, including regular tournaments, access to trainers, and crucial government and corporate support. For his own career, he prefers to take a methodical, game-by-game approach rather than focusing on larger goals all at once.
