Indian chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, 19, reflects on his journey and how he handles fame. Having become a national sensation at the age of 10, he is now one of the world's top players. In an interview with Khaleej Times, he shares insights into his career, his goals, and the secrets behind India's success in …
The Rise of a Chess Prodigy: An Interview with R Praggnanandhaa
Indian chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, 19, reflects on his journey and how he handles fame. Having become a national sensation at the age of 10, he is now one of the world’s top players. In an interview with Khaleej Times, he shares insights into his career, his goals, and the secrets behind India’s success in producing so many talented young chess players.
Staying Grounded Amidst Stardom
When asked about how he manages fame at such a young age, Praggnanandhaa attributes it to his upbringing and his experience. He admits it was difficult initially, but he is now “used to it.” His strategy for staying grounded is to avoid social media during tournaments, ignore what others write or say about him, and focus on playing chess. “You should just try to work on chess and play tournaments,” he says.
The Secrets to India’s Chess Success
Praggnanandhaa believes India’s success in chess is a combination of factors. He credits Viswanathan Anand as a major inspiration, noting that many of today’s top young players were present at Anand’s 2013 World Championship match in Chennai. He also highlights the strong system in India, which includes:
- A large number of regular tournaments.
- The availability of good trainers.
- Significant government and corporate support for players.
