R Praggnanandhaa Makes History by Winning Norway Chess Title

Historic Victory for Praggnanandhaa

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has made headlines by becoming the first Indian to secure the prestigious Norway Chess title, expressing that this win will be the pinnacle of his achievements.

He clinched the championship after defeating Germany's Vincent Keymer in the final round, marking an extraordinary comeback in the tournament's history. The 20-year-old outperformed a competitive field 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 achieved a significant classical win against Gukesh.

A Remarkable Comeback

In an interview, Praggnanandhaa described this victory as the most significant of his career. He highlighted his impressive journey from near the bottom of the standings to champion, winning four consecutive games. This achievement, he believes, 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 extremely pleased with the outcome, especially considering the manner in which I achieved it—winning four games in a row and bouncing back from last place is something I never imagined just four days ago. This win is truly special and will top all my previous victories," he stated.

Challenging Tournament Format

Praggnanandhaa characterized the Norway Chess format as highly demanding, emphasizing the challenges posed by competing against elite players.

"This tournament is undoubtedly tough. The format requires constant alertness, and even in time scrambles, the outcome can swing either way. It's not easy to convert a good game into a win. Competing against the best players makes it particularly challenging. I'm thrilled to have emerged victorious in such a prestigious tournament, where every participant is a top player," he explained.

Defeating Magnus Carlsen

During the tournament, Praggnanandhaa achieved a rare feat by defeating Carlsen twice, with 3-0 victories in both Round 3 and Round 8. He regards Carlsen as the greatest player of all time and has been inspired by his games throughout his career. However, he focuses solely on the game when facing Carlsen.

"To me, he's the GOAT. I've watched him dominate chess for the past 15 years. His games inspire me, but I don't dwell on his status when playing. Competing against him brings out my best, leading to intense matches. I'm delighted that this time it went my way," he remarked.

Chess Growth in India

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

"The growth is remarkable. If you compare where chess was five or six years ago to now, the progress is incredible. Every chess player is thrilled to witness this change, and we are grateful for the love and support we receive today," he shared.

Corporate Support Acknowledged

Supported by Adani Sportsline through its 'Garv Hai' initiative, Praggnanandhaa expressed gratitude for the backing he receives from the Adani Group. He emphasized that chess training and international travel can be challenging, and corporate support alleviates these pressures, allowing him to concentrate on his game.

"Many people may not realize that chess training and traveling for tournaments can be tough. Corporate support from organizations like the Adani Group helps manage these challenges, enabling me to focus solely on my game. I'm truly thankful for their support, which feels like a family connection," he concluded.