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 Cramling, a trailblazer in the world of chess, shared her journey into the game, recounting how the pieces came to life for her at a young age. Her daughter Anna, a rising star in her own right, paid tribute to her mother’s influence and the fulfillment of a dream to play against her in a tournament.

The emotional moment on stage highlighted the rare spotlight on chess in Sweden, with the Cramlings bringing the game into the limelight for millions of viewers. Pia, the fifth woman to earn the grandmaster title, has been a dominant force in chess for four decades, while Anna is carving her own path with a significant online following and representation for Sweden in international competitions.

Journalist Ingemar Falk noted the historic significance of the Cramlings’ appearance at the sports gala, calling it a triumph for chess in Sweden. He highlighted Anna’s role in growing the interest in chess among young adults, thanks to her engaging personality and media presence.

Overall, the Cramlings’ presence at the event showcased the growing popularity of chess in Sweden, with Anna’s influence playing a key role in attracting a new generation of players and fans to the game.