R Praggnanandhaa, the 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy, has been making waves in the chess world. Despite losing to five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in the World Cup finals, he asserted in an interview that Carlsen is “far from invincible.”
"It's not like he (Carlsen) is invincible," Praggnanandhaa stated in an exclusive interaction with PTI. He has good reason to say so; the Chennai native has defeated Carlsen five times in online matches. However, he has yet to beat the Norwegian champion in a board match.
Praggnanandhaa, who made history as the youngest ever World Cup finalist, also qualified for the 2024 Candidates Tournament during his incredible run at the World Cup in Baku last month. He is the third youngest player, after Bobby Fischer and Carlsen, to secure a spot in this prestigious event.
As for the Candidates Tournament, Praggnanandhaa is looking to keep things in perspective. "I don't think it is going to be added pressure. I just want to take it as another tournament," he said.
The Indian teenager's recent accomplishments have raised the expectations for another Indian world champion in chess, following in the footsteps of five-time winner Viswanathan Anand. "There is a lot more to achieve in chess for me. This is just one small step, but still a very good one," he added.
Carlsen's withdrawal from the championship race doesn't necessarily ease the competition, according to Praggnanandhaa. "To win a world championship, you need to be physically and mentally very, very strong. I don't think because Magnus won't be there it would make it easier," he remarked.
For maintaining his physical and mental fitness, Praggnanandhaa turns to sports like badminton and long walks. "It might sound strange, but I talk to myself to prepare myself mentally. In a proper attitude, it works for me," he revealed.
Trained at the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, he considers his interactions with Viswanathan Anand invaluable. "In general, speaking to him gives you a lot of confidence," Praggnanandhaa said, praising the chess legend.
After his stellar performance, Praggnanandhaa has seen a considerable change in his public profile. "A lot of people now recognize me," he noted, optimistic that his success would bring more attention and sponsors to chess in India.
Currently, Praggnanandhaa is participating in an Asian Games men's camp in Kolkata as part of his packed schedule, which included a recent Sports Ministry felicitation in Delhi.
In sum, Praggnanandhaa remains focused on his future goals. "I'm just trying to focus on chess right now. So far, it's been okay. I hope to continue the good work," he concluded. With an unwavering focus on the game, Praggnanandhaa looks set to achieve even greater milestones in the chess world.
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(With inputs from PTI, powered by AI)
