Fresh from securing the Norway Chess title, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the first Indian Grandmaster to achieve this feat, emphasizes the importance of learning from defeats despite victories. His remarkable comeback in the tournament saw him rise from the bottom of the standings after six rounds to clinch the title by winning four consecutive games, including triumphs over Magnus Carlsen and Gukesh Dommaraju. Praggnanandhaa’s win over Vincent Keymer in the final round sealed his victory, positioning him ahead of Wesley So.
In an exclusive interview, Praggnanandhaa discusses his journey in Norway, highlighting the significance of handling pressure, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and gaining confidence from his notable victory. Reflecting on his encounters with Magnus Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa acknowledges the learning experience gained from every game played against the world-renowned player. Despite his wins, he values the lessons learned from losses against Carlsen, emphasizing the latter’s exceptional skills and dominance in the chess world.
Praggnanandhaa points out the quality of his performance in the last two games of the tournament, showcasing control and precision in his gameplay. He expresses satisfaction in maintaining a proactive approach throughout the event, focusing on playing high-quality chess and avoiding a defensive stance. The young Grandmaster’s strategic preparation and commitment to excellence reflect in his gameplay against formidable opponents.
When reflecting on his victories over top players like Gukesh and Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa emphasizes the confidence gained from such achievements. He highlights the significance of his tournament victory, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure and make a strong comeback from challenging situations. Praggnanandhaa’s success underscores his belief in his capabilities to deliver exceptional performances when faced with adversity.
Acknowledging the support received from the Adani Group, Praggnanandhaa emphasizes the importance of corporate backing for athletes. He expresses gratitude for the assistance provided by the Adani Group in managing logistics and other essential aspects of his chess career. Praggnanandhaa values the support from corporates in empowering players and enhancing their performance on the global stage.
