American grandmaster wishes to meet Samay Raina amidst India's got latent controversy says, 'he’s like a big superstar, amazing to see what he’s done with comedy'

In a recent interview withChessBase India, Hikaru had mentioned a possible tour of India. There, he hopes to meet Raina, who could be India's biggest game changer when it comes to chess publicity. "It would be fun to finally meet Samay, I think I haven't met him yet. I know he's in the USA and he's done some stuff (performing in stand-up shows in the USA and UK). It would be a lot of fun (to meet Samay)", said Nakamura.  

He praised Raina's impact on chess and comedy, detailing how famous the man had become after the pandemic. "It's wild to see-obviously I don't follow Indian culture super closely-but at the start of the pandemic, he was kind of a comedian, kind of known. And now he's like a big superstar! Everywhere! It's definitely amazing to see what he did with comedy and chess. Hopefully, I will have a chance to meet him", he added.  

 Samay Raina - The Recent Controversy  

Samay trying to move the game forward during the days of global pandemic-was embroiled in controversy coming almost two years later. With comments made following those guest appearances contributing to the show being entirely taken down and a couple of FIRs registered against Raina and his guests, the episode of India's Got Latent resulted in this whole ancestry affair being dug back up. 

Nakamura was conjectural in his comments on Raina at the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam and I'm afraid he was entirely unaware of the current hoopla. All his remarks were about aspects of his contribution to chess and comedy.  

 Nakamura's Chess Journey and the Various Controversies Involved  

Controversies involving Nakamura abound. The American grandmaster has made bold statements on his live streams, seems to have made accusations of cheating against the other competitor Hans Niemann, and yet, in asking to meet Raina, shows his appreciation to those who promote chess globally. 

 Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam: Highlights  

D. Gukesh from India was also represented at the Weissenhaus Grand Slam, and although reigning world champion, had the roughest time there-for finishing in eighth with no victory to his credit. Nonetheless, a representation of India's status in the chess world.  

 What's Next? For Nakamura and Raina  

With Nakamura focusing on preparations for that India trip, fans have their fingers crossed should that meeting with Raina materialize. The Raina controversy may have eclipsed him recently, but his contributions to the advancement of chess and comedy cannot be washed away. For Nakamura, this trip is all about meeting and greeting fans whilst celebrating the worldwide family that is chess.  

Be it in person or not, Nakamura's trip will most definitely be a talking point in the Indian chess community, highlighting the growing acceptability of the latter as an emerging chess powerhouse.