R Praggnanandhaa Makes History by Winning Norway Chess Title

Historic Victory for Indian Grandmaster

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa expressed immense joy after becoming the first Indian to secure the prestigious Norway Chess title, stating that this victory will "top all my wins."

He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Germany's Vincent Keymer in the final round, concluding one of the most impressive comeback stories in the tournament's history. The 20-year-old outperformed a lineup that included World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, reigning World Champion Gukesh D, Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So, and Keymer himself. Notably, he triumphed over Carlsen twice and secured a vital classical win against Gukesh.

A 'Special' Comeback Victory

In an interview, Praggnanandhaa described this win as the most significant of his career. He highlighted his incredible journey from near the bottom of the standings to champion, winning four consecutive games. He noted that this achievement surpasses all his previous victories. After suffering a 0-3 defeat to Alireza Firouzja in Round 2, he found himself in fifth place.

"I'm super happy with the result, especially to win four games in a row and come back from last place. It's something you never imagine four days ago, making this a special tournament win that will top all my wins so far," he shared.

'Toughest Tournament in the Chess World'

Praggnanandhaa characterized the Norway Chess format as highly challenging, emphasizing the need for constant alertness against top-tier players.

"It's certainly a tough tournament. The format requires you to stay alert throughout, and even in time scrambles, the outcome can swing either way. Competing against the best players makes it particularly challenging. I'm thrilled to have emerged victorious in such a demanding tournament, which I believe is the strongest in the chess world, where every participant is a top player," he explained.

On Defeating Magnus Carlsen

During the tournament, Praggnanandhaa achieved a rare double victory over Carlsen, winning 3-0 in both Round 3 and Round 8. He praised Carlsen as the greatest of all time, noting that he grew up studying the Norwegian's games. However, he emphasized that he focuses solely on the game when facing Carlsen.

"To me, he's the GOAT. I've seen him dominate chess for the last 15 years. His games inspire me, but I don't dwell on that when playing him. Competing against Magnus excites me and brings out my best, leading to intense battles. I'm happy that it went my way this time," he remarked.

Growth of Chess in India

Praggnanandhaa noted the significant growth of chess in India over the past five to six years, expressing happiness at the sport's increasing popularity and the support players are receiving.

"The growth of chess in India is remarkable. If you compare where chess was five or six years ago to now, it's incredible. Every chess player is thrilled to see this progress and the love we receive is something we're grateful for," he stated.

Acknowledging Corporate Support

Supported by Adani Sportsline through its "Garv Hai" initiative, Praggnanandhaa expressed gratitude for the backing he receives from the Adani Group. He acknowledged the challenges of chess training and international travel, stating that corporate support alleviates these burdens, allowing him to concentrate on his game.

"Many people don't realize that chess training and traveling to tournaments can be tough. Corporate support from groups like Adani helps manage these challenges, allowing me to focus solely on my game. I'm truly grateful for their support, which feels like a family connection," he concluded.