Swedish Chess Legends Pia and Anna Cramling Shine at National Sports Gala

The Swedish chess community was abuzz this week as legendary Grandmaster Pia Cramling and her daughter, Women’s FIDE Master Anna Cramling, made a surprise appearance on national television during Sweden’s annual sports gala, Idrottsgalan. The mother-daughter duo took the stage at the prestigious event in Stockholm, presenting the award for Best Female Athlete to swimmer Sarah Sjostrom.

Pia, a trailblazer in the chess world as the fifth woman to earn the grandmaster title, shared her love for the game and the magical world it opened up for her at a young age. Anna, at just 22 years old, paid tribute to her mother’s influence and their recent meeting in the 2024 European Women’s Blitz Chess Championship, where they played to a draw.

The presence of the Cramlings on stage brought chess into the spotlight in Sweden, a rare occurrence for the sport in the country. Journalist Ingemar Falk noted the historic moment for Swedish sports, highlighting Anna’s role in growing interest in chess among young adults and her success in engaging viewers through media appearances.

With Anna’s rising popularity and positive influence, the Swedish Chess Federation is considering joining the national sports federation, a move that could further boost the visibility and growth of chess in the country. The Cramlings’ appearance at the Sports Gala marked a significant milestone for chess in Sweden, showcasing the game’s appeal and impact on a national stage.