As Praggnanandhaa takes his steps through the crowd, voices of cheers and wishes surround the champion. To intensify the glory of his nation, the 16-year-old chess champion arrived at Mahabalipuram Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai.
Praggnanandhaa, a reticent player, responds back with his small grin and waves a thumbs-up. He walks through Chennai’s Napier Bridge which has been recently painted in black and white to symbolize Chess Olympiad 2022. People rush toward him and requests for selfies can be seen.
Applause Across Every Corner
Wishes from vehicles crossing the bridge with “All the Best” and “Perform the Best” could be heard as they passed. Even though these are new to the young star, he acknowledges everyone at ease. As he says,
“I have been on the other side not long ago. Growing up dreaming to make it big in chess, I vividly remember the times of taking pictures with Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand. There’s also a special photo that I took with Carlsen when he visited India,” he added.
From India’s Personalities
A tweet from the Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar read, “What a wonderful feeling it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced and decorated Magnus Carlsen, and that too, while playing black, is magical! Best wishes for a long and successful chess career ahead. You’ve made India proud! ”
The Indian chess grandmaster was presented with a chess board by the eminent actor Rajinikanth, as he visited to convey his wishes. Actor Siva Kathikeyan also extended his wishes to Praggnanandhaa on his visit.
In Praggnanandhaa’s Words
Pragg, as people address him, is happier as the love and support brims all around him. Receiving it in his own place, he considers it to be a blessing. The transformation of the entire place has filled his heart with happiness and seeing the arrival of people to be around the place is indeed a good sight, he adds.
“It is overwhelming that the Olympiad is happening right here at home; it feels like a dream. The kind of promotions and effort to make it a grand event is special. It feels like a festival.”
Pragg 2016 created history by becoming the youngest international grandmaster. Recently, Pragg has already finished two intense training camps in the city. After excelling in two successful international tournaments; he has won the Paracin Open in Siberia and performed the best at Chessable Masters.
International Chess Federation
In the latest FIDE top-10 junior rankings, three players have represented India. They include Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi in the No.2 position; the 6th and 10th spots are captured by D Gukesh and Nihal Sarin respectively.
Pragg holds 11th position while Sadhwani is 15th. To witness India’s next-generation champions the Olympiad has opened its dais in Chennai. Commencing from July 28th and extending to August 10, 188 Countries meet at the place for the first time ever.
Praggnanandhaa’s Preparation
Even before commencing on this big-ticket event, Praggnanandhaa has his routine lifestyle. When there was no game, he would sit up for seven hours playing chess every day. He also talks about the importance of physical fitness along with mental stability. He hits the gym for workouts, as sitting for long hours at one place for a long stretch could have adverse effects on the body. In-game, Praggnanandhaa keeps up with his work ethic and balances his pressure, especially when mistakes in the moves are made. He adds that he talks to himself during the games to stay balanced.
His Final Moves
Pragg talks about his mother, his motivator, and sister Vaishali, who is his inspiration and herself International Master in chess. When the two siblings are at home, they indulge in a friendly match. They both love to play bullet games, the format of making quick moves. Both are equally efficient players and keep on beating each other at levels.
