Others

Chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has garnered praise from legendary grandmaster Gary Kasparov for his quick and efficient autograph-signing technique. In a video posted on Twitter, Kasparov remarked, "Smart lad; a fast and short signature means your hand doesn't get sore so quickly!"Praggnanandhaa's rise to stardom has been meteoric. In 2023, he became the youngest player to reach the World Cup final, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand. His impressive victories over Magnus Carlsen in 2022 brought India's chess prowess into the spotlight.The Chennai-based prodigy began his chess journey at the tender age of 5. By 12, he had become India's youngest and the world's second-youngest Grandmaster. Praggnanandhaa's love for mathematics and his ability to unwind with Tamil music and television shows add to his multifaceted personality.In 2023, Praggnanandhaa secured a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games. His achievements have cemented his status as one of the most promising young chess players in the world.Kasparov's praise for Praggnanandhaa's autograph-signing technique highlights the importance of efficiency and practicality in the world of chess. The ability to conserve energy and maintain focus during long tournaments can give players a competitive edge.Praggnanandhaa's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. As he continues to climb the ranks of chess, he is sure to inspire future generations of players and bring further glory to India on the global stage.

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa, who recently made history as the youngest player to compete in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, has emphasized the crucial role of corporate sponsors in the sport. Despite the perception of chess as an inexpensive pursuit, Praggnanandhaa highlights the significant financial burden associated with training and competing at the highest levels.Praggnanandhaa, who recently entered into a long-term sponsorship agreement with the Adani Group, expressed his gratitude for their support. He explained that chess training involves extensive travel, equipment, and coaching, making it a costly endeavor. The Adani Group's sponsorship has alleviated the financial pressure on Praggnanandhaa and his family, allowing him to focus solely on his chess development.The 18-year-old Grandmaster is currently participating in the Rapid and Blitz tournament in Poland, which marks the start of a packed schedule for him. He is set to compete in the Grand Chess Tour, including the Superbet Romania classical tournament, the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz, and the Sinquefield Cup. Praggnanandhaa is also excited to participate in the Norway Chess and the Real Masters in Switzerland.Praggnanandhaa acknowledges that his success is not solely due to his talent but also to the unwavering support of his family and sponsors. He emphasizes the importance of corporate sponsors like the Adani Group in fostering the growth of sports and providing financial assistance to athletes.To maintain his peak performance, Praggnanandhaa follows a rigorous physical and mental regimen. He engages in physical sports, such as badminton and beach volleyball, to keep his body and mind sharp. He also undergoes extensive chess training, including opening preparation and calculation exercises.Praggnanandhaa's journey serves as a testament to the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in chess. With the support of sponsors and a dedicated training regimen, he continues to push the boundaries of the sport and inspire young chess enthusiasts worldwide.

Newly-crowned FIDE Candidates' champion D Gukesh displayed resilience and determination in the Superbet rapid and blitz tournament, a part of the Grand Chess Tour. After a slow start, Gukesh recovered to defeat compatriot R Praggnanandhaa and Vincent Keymer.Praggnanandhaa, who lost to Gukesh in the first round, bounced back strongly in the fifth round by defeating Anish Giri. Gukesh also capitalized on his opportunities to crush Keymer.Romanian Kirill Shevchenko's impressive run was halted by Erigaisi Arjun, who secured his first victory in the event. World number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway joined Shevchenko in the lead with seven points out of a possible ten. Wei Yi of China trails by one point.Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun share the fourth spot with five points, alongside Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan. Jan-Kryzstof Duda of Poland and Vincent Keymer of Germany occupy the eighth spot with four points, while Giri languishes at the bottom with just two points.Four more rounds remain in the rapid section before an 18-round blitz tournament commences.Earlier, Arjun held Carlsen to a draw in the opener and drew two more games to stay within striking distance of early leader Shevchenko. Gukesh lost his first two games before drawing the third, while Praggnanandhaa recovered in the third round to beat Abdusattorov.Shevchenko emerged as the early leader with three consecutive victories. He benefited from a blunder by Gukesh in the first round, defeated Praggnanandhaa in a brilliant game, and outplayed Keymer.Arjun showcased a solid approach with three draws, while Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa had mixed results. Gukesh blundered his queen in the first round against Shevchenko and lost to Abdusattorov in the second round. Praggnanandhaa drew against Duda but lost to Shevchenko before defeating Abdusattorov.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has unveiled an ambitious ₹65 crore budget and blueprint to revolutionize chess in India. This comprehensive plan aims to provide financial and institutional support to players at all levels, from grassroots to the elite, and to popularize the game across the nation.The initiative comes on the heels of India's historic success in the Candidates Tournament, where 17-year-old D Gukesh became the first-ever teen winner and qualified for the World Championship. The tournament also witnessed an unprecedented Indian representation, with five players competing in both the Open and Women sections.The AICF's plan addresses key challenges, including integrating chess into school curricula, introducing chess e-learning, identifying and nurturing talent, strengthening grassroots academies, and ensuring the sustainability of the federation.Key Initiatives:* National Player Contracts: AICF will introduce two-year contracts for national-level players from U-7 to U-19 age groups, providing financial support ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. These players will promote chess through grassroots initiatives like 'Meet the Champions' in educational institutions.* Cash Rewards for Top Players: Cash rewards will be allocated to the top 10 male and female Indian players based on their Fide rankings. The top five players will receive ₹25 lakhs, while those ranked between 6th and 10th will be rewarded ₹12.50 lakhs.* Supporting State Associations: AICF will provide financial assistance to state associations over three years, with funds allocated for prize money, chess development activities, and establishing offices. Quarterly seminars will be conducted for capacity building.* Women In Chess: The Smart Girl Program will be expanded with a minimum of 50 annual events, each supported by a ₹100,000 grant. Additionally, a 33% reservation for women will be implemented in key areas like coach and arbiter certification, participation in AICF-recognized events, and the Campus Ambassador Program.* Incentivising Chess Content Creators: AICF will collaborate with Youtubers, influencers, and streamers to foster a thriving community of chess content creators. Mentorship from established creators will be provided to nurture new talent.* National Chess Awards and Development Conference: Exceptional coaches and players will be honored, and industry leaders and universities will come together to advance chess through strategic workshops and discussions.* Corporate Chess League: Corporates will be allowed to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members. A minimum prize money will be set for AICF-rated events. Bilateral competitions with other nations will be organized to enhance chess diplomacy.* Chess Development Fund: This fund will support initiatives such as trainer training programs, coach certification, outreach efforts, and integrating chess into school curriculums.* Corporate Partnerships: A management board will be established to collaborate with strategic partners and finance programs and initiatives, aiming for governance excellence and long-term sustainability.

Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik has sparked controversy with his latest accusations of cheating in online chess. Kramnik, who previously raised suspicions about Hikaru Nakamura's winning streak, has now suggested that Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin's online blitz results against the world's top ten players this year are "mathematically 99.9999% impossible."Kramnik's allegations have been met with skepticism and criticism from the chess community. Nihal's manager, Priyadarshan Banjan, has challenged Kramnik to a face-to-face playoff against Nihal, while others have questioned Kramnik's statistical analysis.Kramnik's concerns about cheating in online chess are legitimate, but his public accusations have been criticized for being unsubstantiated and damaging to the reputation of players. Chess.com, one of the leading online chess platforms, has closed Kramnik's blog and muted his account after investigating his allegations and finding them baseless.The recent wave of paranoia over cheating in chess has been fueled by high-profile accusations from top players such as Magnus Carlsen and Kramnik. However, experts argue that mass public accusations and blackballing are not effective ways to address the issue.Kramnik's accusations have also raised questions about the role of statistics in detecting cheating. While statistical analysis can be a useful tool, it is important to interpret the results carefully and avoid making unfounded conclusions.The issue of cheating in chess is complex and requires a nuanced approach. While it is important to maintain the integrity of the game, it is equally important to avoid unsubstantiated accusations that can damage the reputations of players and undermine the sport's credibility.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is determined to elevate the Indian chess landscape by hosting more international tournaments and launching a series of initiatives to nurture talent and expand the sport's reach.AICF President Nitin Narang announced plans to introduce an "AICF Super Tournament," a unique platform that will provide Indian players with world-class competition and exposure. The tournament will feature a quota for Indian players, allowing them to compete alongside international stars.Recognizing the need for increased opportunities, the AICF will also host a maximum number of AICF-rated tournaments, providing a competitive environment for players to hone their skills. The federation has allocated a record budget of Rs. 65 crore to support these initiatives.To ensure equal opportunities, the AICF has pledged to eliminate gender disparities in prize money. Both male and female players will receive equal compensation in all tournaments and contracts.The federation's focus extends beyond elite players. It aims to strengthen the sport's foundation by establishing district associations in every district, promoting chess in schools, and implementing an AICF rating system. This system will allow amateur players to get rated and participate in more tournaments, fostering a thriving chess ecosystem.To address the lack of standardized academies, the AICF plans to launch 20 online academies and seek corporate support to establish 700 standardized academies across the country. These academies will provide training and support to young players, nurturing their talent and creating a pipeline of future champions.The AICF's comprehensive approach aims to transform the Indian chess landscape, providing opportunities for players of all levels, promoting the sport at the grassroots, and ensuring that India remains a global chess powerhouse.

The Candidates Tournament, a prestigious chess event, concluded recently with an Indian teenager making history. However, for other Indian participants, the aftermath has been a mix of emotions and introspection.Vidit Gujrathi, making his Candidates debut, finished sixth. His defeat to Ian Nepomniachtchi in Round 11, despite escaping two losing positions, left a lasting impact. "It shattered me," he admitted. "I didn't manage my emotions well. I need to be mentally tougher." Gujrathi's tournament included two victories over world No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura and eight decisive games, but also five losses. "I took risks, but when you play with fire, you can burn yourself," he said. "I have no regrets, but I have to wait two more years for the next Candidates."Praggnanandhaa, 18, made an impressive debut, showcasing innovative opening strategies. While he missed some opportunities, he acknowledged the significance of his fifth-place finish. "Gukesh's win shows that our generation is ready," he said. "I tried to fight with both colors, but I needed to score more wins."Koneru Humpy, 37, finished tied second in the Women's Candidates. Despite personal challenges, she played better in the second half. "I didn't expect to finish second," she said. "I was just trying to save rating points." Humpy, a renowned female player, has yet to win a Women's World Championship.The Candidates Tournament has left a lasting impact on these Indian players. For Praggnanandhaa, it's a source of motivation. For Vidit, it's a challenge to overcome disappointment and set new goals. For Humpy, it's a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges of balancing chess with motherhood.

Vaishali Rameshbabu's remarkable comeback at the Candidates Tournament has been a testament to her resilience and determination. After a disastrous start with four consecutive losses, the 22-year-old Indian prodigy rallied to win five straight games, finishing tied second with 7.5 points.Vaishali's turnaround began with a crucial victory over Nurgyul Salimova in Round 10. The Bulgarian was on the verge of victory but self-destructed, giving Vaishali the breakthrough she desperately needed."In such tournaments, luck plays an important role," Vaishali acknowledged. "It's not entirely about how well you prepare or play."Despite her initial setbacks, Vaishali remained confident in her abilities. "I knew I wasn't a favorite by rating, but I'd beaten most of the players in the field before," she said.Her most satisfying win came against top seed Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11. Vaishali played the Alapin Sicilian with precision and went on to win with a Knight underpromotion."I could have settled for a draw, but I was looking to take every chance that came my way," she said. "I'm pretty proud of that game."Vaishali's comeback was not without its emotional challenges. "After three losses in a row, I completely gave up," she admitted. "But I was determined to get back in shape and fight."Her brother, Praggnanandhaa, provided support during her struggles. "We would discuss our games, but I didn't want to burden him with my emotions," Vaishali said.On the final day of play, Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa witnessed the thrilling conclusion of the Open section. "We could feel the pressure and tension even though it wasn't us playing," Vaishali said. "I felt happy to see Gukesh make it in the end."Vaishali's comeback story is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in competitive chess. "I may not have won the tournament, but those last few wins certainly made a huge difference," she said.

Garry Kasparov, the youngest-ever world champion at 22, could see his record being smashed later this year. Indian prodigy Gukesh D, just 17 years old, has already broken Kasparov's youngest-ever Candidates winner record.Kasparov himself acknowledged Gukesh's remarkable achievement, writing on social media: "The Indian earthquake in Toronto is the culmination of the shifting tectonic plates in the chess world as the 17-year-old Gukesh D will face the Chinese champion Ding Liren for the highest title. The 'children' of Vishy Anand are on the loose!"Gukesh's victory in the Candidates Tournament has sent shockwaves through the chess world. He is the youngest player to ever qualify for the Candidates, and his performance has been nothing short of sensational. In the tournament, he defeated some of the world's top players, including former world champion Fabiano Caruana and current world number two Ian Nepomniachtchi.Gukesh's success is a testament to the rising tide of young talent in chess. In recent years, we have seen a number of teenagers emerge as serious contenders for the world championship. This is due in part to the increasing popularity of chess online, which has allowed young players to gain experience and compete against top players from around the world.If Gukesh can continue his meteoric rise, he could become the youngest-ever world champion. He is already one of the most talented players in the world, and he has the potential to achieve great things.