Viswanathan Anand Urges D Gukesh to Draw Inspiration from R Praggnanandhaa’s Norway Chess Triumph

Viswanathan Anand Urges D Gukesh to Draw Inspiration from R Praggnanandhaa’s Norway Chess Triumph

Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 12:57 IST

In a stirring endorsement of India’s rising chess talent, legendary grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has praised R Praggnanandhaa for his remarkable victory at the Norway Chess tournament. Anand’s comments come at a pivotal moment for fellow Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh, who has faced challenges in recent competitions.

Praggnanandhaa made history as the first Indian to clinch the prestigious Norway Chess title, showcasing an impressive comeback in the final rounds. In contrast, Gukesh, the reigning world champion, finished sixth in the same tournament, prompting Anand to encourage him to learn from Praggnanandhaa’s tenacity and innovative play.

“I am delighted that Praggnanandhaa has won Norway Chess in an impressive style,” Anand stated. “His spectacular turnaround in the last four rounds was a testament to his hard work and creativity on the board.”

Anand, a five-time world champion, advised Gukesh to take a page from Praggnanandhaa’s playbook as he prepares to defend his title against Javokhir Sindarov later this year. “At this moment, Praggnanandhaa is playing better than Gukesh, but anything can change. Gukesh seems to be stuck a bit, and I think he can draw inspiration from Pragg,” Anand remarked.

He emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “If you persist with hard work, then at some point, things will change.” Anand noted that Praggnanandhaa’s readiness for a challenge and his ability to produce captivating chess concepts have been key to his recent success.

Reflecting on the competitive landscape of Indian chess, Anand expressed excitement about the healthy rivalry among Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and fellow grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi. “We have never had three players at the top pushing each other’s game to the highest level,” he said, acknowledging the dynamic evolution of the sport.

Anand also highlighted the significant progress of Indian chess on the global stage. “India is definitely in the top three. We have increased our strength a lot, with 95 Grandmasters in the country and a world champion among us,” he noted. He added that the influx of female players into the sport is further bolstering India’s chess reputation.

As Indian chess continues to rise, Anand’s insights serve as both a celebration of current achievements and a call to action for the next generation of players. With Praggnanandhaa’s victory as a beacon of hope, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever.