Others

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa secured an impressive fourth place finish at the Rapid and Blitz chess tournament in Poland, while world number one Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious after a remarkable performance on the final day.Carlsen, trailing China's Wei Yi by 2.5 points entering the final day, unleashed a stunning nine-game winning streak, including victories over three Indian players: Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh D, and Praggnanandhaa. This triumph marks Carlsen's seventh consecutive tournament win, solidifying his dominance in the chess world.Arjun Erigaisi finished in fifth place, while Gukesh D, the youngest-ever challenger to the world title, placed 10th. Carlsen's victory propelled him to the top of the Grand Chess Tour 2024 season standings, a prestigious circuit of tournaments offering substantial prize pools.Praggnanandhaa's fourth-place finish is a testament to his exceptional talent. In 2023, he became the world's youngest chess player to reach the World Cup final, joining Viswanathan Anand as the only Indians to achieve this feat. His remarkable rise to prominence continued in 2022, when he defeated Carlsen multiple times, showcasing India's growing chess prowess.Praggnanandhaa's journey began at the tender age of five, and he became India's youngest and the world's second-youngest Grandmaster at age 12 in 2018. He is the fifth-youngest person to achieve the Grandmaster title, following Abhimanyu Mishra, Sergey Karjakin, Gukesh D, and Javokhir Sindarov.The International Chess Federation (FIDE) acknowledged Carlsen's triumph, tweeting, "Magnus Carlsen emerged as the winner of the 2024 Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz. The World #1 became the leader of the Grand Chess Tour 2024 season and took home $40,000 first prize."

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.