New Delhi: Indian chess sensation Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, affectionately known as Pragg, is poised to capture the world’s attention as he faces off against the formidable five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in the FIDE World Cup final today.
This high-stakes chess battle has drawn the enthusiastic support of millions of Indians, who eagerly anticipate the showdown taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable journey to the FIDE World Cup final has been marked by a series of strategic triumphs. Notably, he secured a decisive victory over World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana, propelling him into the highly anticipated final match.
As the Indian chess prodigy readies himself to compete on the global stage, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of a nation.
Who is Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa?
Hailing from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Praggnanandhaa’s journey into the world of chess was catalyzed by his older sister Vaishali’s initiation into the game at the tender age of 6, when Pragg himself was just 2 years old.
While Vaishali emerged as a grandmaster in 2018 and an international master in 2021, Praggnanandhaa honed his skills through dedicated training, particularly at the Bloom Chess Academy, where he honed his craft and amassed valuable insights.
An impressive record of achievements underscores Praggnanandhaa’s prodigious talent. His rise in the chess arena commenced at the age of 6 when he secured the second rank in the under-7 Indian championships. Subsequently, he clinched gold at the Asian Championships and went on to dominate the World Youth Chess Championships in both the under-8 and under-10 categories.
In a historic feat that echoed his precocious abilities, Praggnanandhaa claimed victory in the ninth-round game at the KIIT International Chess Festival in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in 2016. His triumph secured him the title of international chess master at a mere 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days old, solidifying his status as the youngest ever to achieve this distinction.
Twitter reacts with love
Praggnanandhaa’s recent triumph over Fabiano Caruana, with a score of 3.5-2.5 after tiebreaks, catapulted him into the final match against Magnus Carlsen. This accomplishment has garnered widespread acclaim, with political leaders and sports luminaries alike extending their congratulations and best wishes.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia, and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik have all hailed Praggnanandhaa’s achievements, expressing their pride in his journey and their hopes for his success in the final match.
Congratulate young Indian Grandmaster R #Praggnanandhaa on the stunning victory over World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana in the semi-finals of #FIDEWorldCup Chess Tournament. Best wishes for the final match against reigning world champion Magnum Carlsen. pic.twitter.com/b5ZBCq21wD
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 22, 2023
Congratulations to R Praggnanandhaa for an outstanding FIDE Chess World Cup journey to the Finals.
My best wishes for the title match against Magnus Carlsen.
More than a billion Indians are cheering for you.🏆🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/3u9MYHeFqc
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 21, 2023
Heartiest congratulations and best of luck to India’s young genius Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa as he advances to the finals of #FIDEWorldCup2023.
Let’s bring home the victory! 🙌🏼👑 pic.twitter.com/webKqipTTq
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) August 22, 2023
As the world watches in anticipation, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa stands on the brink of history, ready to take on the challenge of Magnus Carlsen and carry the aspirations of an entire nation on his shoulders. His exceptional journey exemplifies the power of dedication, talent, and the enduring spirit of competition.
