Checkmating Tradition: How Praggnanandhaa is Changing the Game

MEET RAMESHBABU PRAGGNANANDHAA, A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH BRILLIANCE BOTH ON AND OFF THE CHESSBOARD. AT JUST 18 YEARS OLD, PRAGGNANANDHAA HAS ALREADY LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE WORLD OF CHESS, ACHIEVING THE ESTEEMED TITLE OF GRANDMASTER AT A REMARKABLY YOUNG AGE. BUT BEYOND HIS EXCEPTIONAL TALENT IN THE REALM OF CHESS LIES A MULTIFACETED INDIVIDUAL WITH A WEALTH OF INTERESTS AND EXPERIENCES. IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, WE DELVE INTO THE LIFE OF PRAGGNANANDHAA, EXPLORING HIS PASSIONS, REFLECTIONS ON HIS JOURNEY, AND ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE. JOIN US AS WE UNCOVER THE LAYERS OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY PRODIGY AND GAIN INSIGHT INTO THE MIND OF A TRUE CHESS PHENOMENON.

- VINITHA VENKATESHA

1. Beyond the chessboard, who is Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa? Tell us about your passions, hobbies, and how you like to spend your free time.

I enjoy playing other sports like badminton and table tennis. Additionally, I like to unwind by watching movies occasionally.

2. Growing up a prodigy, did you ever feel that you missed out on a "normal" childhood? How did you balance your chess training with other aspects of your life?

No, I have never felt that way. Not many people get to experience traveling around like I do, and I truly enjoy it. My school was very supportive of my studies, which helped me balance my chess training with other aspects of my life.

3. What are the biggest misconception people have about you? How would you like to be seen outside of the chess world?

The biggest misconception people have about chess players, including myself, is that we are inherently more intelligent than others. In reality, we are simply skilled in our specific domain. Outside of the chess world, I would like to be seen as someone who is dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about what I do, rather than solely focusing on intelligence.

4. Can you recall the moment you fell in love with chess? Was there a specific game or event that sparked your passion?