“Arjuna Award-Winning Grandmaster Declares R Praggnanandhaa as India’s Top Chess Player, More Dangerous than Magnus Carlsen”
Arjuna Award-Winning Grandmaster Hails R Praggnanandhaa as India’s Best Chess Player
In a stunning endorsement, Arjuna Award-winning coach and grandmaster Pravin Thipsay has declared Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa as the strongest chess player in India, even suggesting that the 20-year-old is currently more formidable than World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. This praise follows Praggnanandhaa’s historic victory at the 2026 Norway Chess tournament, where he showcased his extraordinary talent against some of the world’s best players.
Thipsay, speaking to PTI, emphasized Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable transformation, particularly after a challenging 2025 season. “What a great comeback. After a somewhat disappointing year, he has produced something truly extraordinary. Indian chess needed a performance like this,” he said. The coach noted that Praggnanandhaa has evolved significantly, adding new dimensions to his game, including enhanced defensive skills, positional understanding, and tactical accuracy.
A Historic Triumph
Praggnanandhaa’s victory at the Norway Chess tournament marks a significant milestone in his career. He triumphed over elite competitors, including Carlsen, reigning world champion D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, and Vincent Keymer, making him the first Indian player to win this prestigious event in its 14-year history. His impressive late-game comeback solidified his status as a rising star in the chess world.
While Praggnanandhaa celebrated his victory, Carlsen faced a disappointing campaign, finishing outside the podium with only two wins. D Gukesh also struggled, ending last in the six-player standings. In the women’s section, Indian players Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy finished fifth and sixth, respectively, with Bibisara Assaubayeva claiming the women’s title.
The Future of Indian Chess
Thipsay’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in the chess community that Praggnanandhaa is not just a player to watch but a potential game-changer for Indian chess. “Three or four years ago, he was feared for his attacking chess. But opponents gradually learned how to neutralize those strengths. Over the last few months, he has added new dimensions to his game,” Thipsay explained.
As Praggnanandhaa continues to rise through the ranks, the chess world eagerly anticipates his next moves, with many believing he could redefine the future of the sport in India.
First Published: June 09, 2026, 05:59 IST