R Praggnanandhaa Celebrates Victory Over Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess

R Praggnanandhaa has made headlines by defeating Magnus Carlsen twice in the ongoing Norway Chess tournament. In an exclusive interview, he reflects on his performance, praises the achievements of Indian women chess players, and defends his compatriot Gukesh amidst challenges. Praggnanandhaa emphasizes the importance of winning at this stage of the competition and expresses gratitude for the growing viewership of the tournament. His insights reveal a deep commitment to the sport and a hopeful outlook for the future of Indian chess.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 18:24 IST

Praggnanandhaa's Remarkable Win

On June 2, R Praggnanandhaa expressed his thoughts following his impressive win against Magnus Carlsen during the eighth round of the 2026 Norway Chess tournament. This victory marks his second triumph over the world No. 1 in the ongoing competition, having previously defeated him last week. In a conversation, Praggnanandhaa maintained a humble demeanor, emphasizing his satisfaction with his performance quality and the significance of securing victories at this stage rather than merely defeating Carlsen. He stated, "I believe my overall game quality has been solid, although there were moments earlier in the tournament that didn't favor me. However, I'm pleased to have bounced back. The last two games are crucial, and my focus is on them." He added, "Winning against Magnus is always an achievement, but at this point, winning in classical format is what matters most."

Praise for Indian Women Chess Players

Praggnanandhaa Hails Indian Women Chess Players

Discussing the progress of Indian chess players, Praggnanandhaa acknowledged the challenges faced over the past year but specifically commended the female players for their accomplishments. He highlighted his sister, R Vaishali, who won the candidates' tournament, allowing her to compete against reigning champion Ju Wenjun of China in the upcoming Women's World Championship, aiming to become the first Indian female classical world champion. "We've been performing well. Although the last year has had its ups and downs, my sister's victory in the Women's Candidates is a significant achievement, and other female players like Divya and Amte are also excelling. While the Open category has faced challenges, we consistently strive to perform our best and compete for World Cup spots," he remarked.

Support for Gukesh Amidst Challenges

Praggnanandhaa Defends Gukesh

While Praggnanandhaa is thriving in the tournament, currently positioned third, his fellow competitor Gukesh is struggling at the bottom of the standings. However, Praggnanandhaa downplayed concerns regarding Gukesh's performance, asserting that it is premature to label his tournament as unsuccessful. "It's too early to declare a bad tournament. Just a couple of days ago, I was in a similar situation, and things can change quickly. In this tournament, a couple of wins can turn things around. It's just one tournament, and you can't read too much into it. Even Magnus can have off days, but he remains one of the best," he explained.

Encouraging Viewership

Praggnanandhaa Delighted With Viewership On Times Network

Praggnanandhaa expressed his happiness upon learning about the strong viewership numbers for the tournament, which is being broadcasted by a major media channel. He encouraged fans to continue supporting the event as it approaches its conclusion. "It's wonderful to see so many viewers. I appreciate everyone tuning in daily. With two games left, I invite everyone to watch and support us," he concluded.