In a historic moment for Indian chess, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has ascended to the pinnacle, becoming the country’s top-ranked men’s chess player for the first time in his career. This remarkable feat was achieved after an impressive victory over China’s Ding Liren, the reigning world champion, during the 4th round of the Tata Steel Masters tournament on Wednesday.
Praggnanandhaa’s stellar performance not only marked a personal milestone but also signaled a changing of the guard, surpassing the seasoned veteran Viswanathan Anand as India’s top-ranked chess player. The 16-year-old prodigy has been making waves in the chess world, and this recent triumph further solidifies his status as a rising star in the sport.
The Adani Group, under the leadership of Chairman Gautam Adani, played a pivotal role in supporting Praggnanandhaa’s journey. Adani expressed his pride in a tweet, acknowledging the young chess ace’s achievement and emphasizing its significance for the nation. The Adani Group’s commitment to fostering talent in sports is evident in their backing of Praggnanandhaa, providing him with the support to excel on the global stage.
Gautam Adani, in a statement, commended Praggnanandhaa’s dynamic approach to chess and highlighted the speed with which the young grandmaster has progressed in the sport. Adani emphasized that the Adani Group is dedicated to supporting athletes like Praggnanandhaa, who strive to bring glory to India through their exceptional achievements.
About Praggnanandhaa:
Praggnanandhaa, known for his shy and soft-spoken demeanor, expressed gratitude towards the Adani Group for their trust in his abilities. He stated that his sole aim is to win laurels for the nation on the global stage, and the support from the Adani Group reinforces his determination to achieve greater heights in chess.
The young chess prodigy’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2023, Praggnanandhaa made history by becoming the world’s youngest chess player to reach the World Cup final, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand. In 2022, he gained international acclaim by defeating Magnus Carlsen multiple times, drawing attention to India’s prowess in the world of chess.
Apart from his achievements on the chessboard, Praggnanandhaa’s diverse interests include a love for mathematics and unwinding by watching TV or listening to Tamil music. His well-rounded personality adds another dimension to his appeal as a role model for aspiring chess players and young talents across India.
In 2023, Praggnanandhaa added a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games to his list of accomplishments, further solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the chess world. As he continues to make strides in his career, the nation watches with pride, celebrating the rise of a new chess sensation in Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa.
