Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa: Untold Story Of Childhood, Struggles & Success |

What does it take to become India’s No 1 Chess player at just 19 years old?

In this inspiring episode of Stories from Bharat, Kamiya Jani sits down with Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, India’s No. 1 Chess Player and the current World No. 4, for a rare and intimate conversation.

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From his early days in Chennai to beating the world’s best, Pragg's journey began at just 2.5 years old. With a strong foundation built alongside his sister Vaishali, who is also a Grandmaster, Pragg has grown into one of the brightest minds in global chess today.

He opens up about his dream of becoming the World Champion, the rise of chess in India, and the incredible bond he shares with his family, especially the sacrifices made by his parents to support his career.

Here’s what we discussed in this episode:

How Pragg became India’s youngest Grandmaster at the age of 12.
His parents’ struggles and sacrifices behind the scenes.
His bond with D. Gukesh and their mutual respect on and off the board.
Why beating Magnus Carlsen gives him the biggest high.
The guidance he’s received from Vishwanathan Anand, his mentor and idol.

In a heartwarming moment, a few young aspiring chess students, who look up to Pragg as their role model, got a chance to meet him and ask their questions — a memory they will cherish forever. This episode isn’t just about chess. It is about passion, humility, sacrifice, and a rising India that is leaving its mark on the global stage.

Watch the full episode to discover the journey of R. Praggnanandhaa, the boy wonder who is changing the face of Indian chess.

#RameshBabuPraggnanandhaa #IndianChess #StoriesFromBharat #Chennai #Chess #Gukesh #MagnusCarlsen #Praggnanandhaa #WorldChampion #ChessMaster #GrandMaster

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro
02:39 - Praggnanandhaa Early Days of Chess
06:23 - Family Sacrifices for Success
08:05 - Secrets to His Success
09:17 - Rivalry with D. Gukesh
11:25 - Inspiration from Vishwanathan Anand
13:01 - Encounter with Magnus Carlsen
17:46 - Growth of Chess in India
20:00 - Celebrating Wins in Chess
20:54 - Playing to Win in Chess
22:50 - Rapid Fire Questions with R.Praggnanandhaa
24:07 - Kids' Questions about Chess

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