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D Gukesh Snubbed by Freestyle Chess CEO: ‘Not Great at Grand Slams, Vegas Absence No Surprise’

June 27, 2025, 11:05 pm

D Gukesh will be missing the next Las Vegas Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, with last Tuesday’s official line-up announced. The current world champion gave mediocre performances at the Paris and Weissenhaus Grand Slams.

Strong Showing at Norway Chess 2025 Before Exhaustion Sets In

He recently played at Norway Chess 2025, where he came third behind winner Magnus Carlsen and runner-up Fabiano Caruana.

Speaking to TimesofIndia.com, Freestyle Chess CEO and co-founder Jan Henric Buettner opened up on Gukesh’s absence from the Las Vegas roster. “He said he’s exhausted and needs rest,” he said.

CEO: ‘We Were Always Expecting Gukesh to Decline’

“His performances have not been that good at any Grand Slam. We were always expecting that he would decline to participate in the next event.

“Anyway, he had an invitation (for the Las Vegas leg). So after his not-so-good performance in Paris, he was still up for the task. He said, ‘We’re gonna come. I will come to Las Vegas.

“But then, there was Norway Chess. This exhausted him so much. Even I would be exhausted. He was so exhausted that I got a message. He said he’s exhausted and would like to rest. He can’t come to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, he needs rest. So, you know, that’s understandable,” he further added.

Vidit Gujrathi Replaces Gukesh in Las Vegas Line-Up

Buettner has also confirmed that Vidit Gujrathi has taken the place of Gukesh in the Las Vegas line-up.

Gukesh’s Norway Chess stint involved him scoring a win against Carlsen in Round 6, in which the Norwegian erred while playing the endgame. The World No. 1 also slammed his table in frustration as Gukesh scored his first classical win vs Carlsen.

Current Live Rankings: Gukesh World No. 5, Eyes India No. 1 Spot

In the live chess rankings, Gukesh is already World No. 5, behind fourth-placed R Praggnanandhaa. Arjun Erigaisi is sixth. Carlsen held the top spot, followed by American GMs Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. Gukesh will be looking to become India No. 1 again very soon.

D Gukesh Tells His Top Norway Chess Moment; ‘Beating Magnus’ | VIDEO

June 9, 2025, 1:51 pm

Following intense battles, five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen took his seventh Norway Chess crown after American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana beat India’s young star D. Gukesh. While Gukesh failed to win the title, he still had a moment to cherish.

During a post-tournament event, the 19-year-old kept his spirits high and showed his sense of humour. When asked about his favourite moment from the tournament, Gukesh didn’t miss a beat and replied while looking at Carlsen, “Beating Magnus.” The response sparked laughter among the audience and brought a smile to Carlsen’s face.

Watch:

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A post shared by Norway Chess (@norway_chess)

Magnus’ Favourite Moment

Conversely, however, when the same question was put to Carlsen, he echoed Gukesh’s words, saying, “It’s the same as Gukesh. I mean, there were great moments in the tournament. That’s the one that sticks out for me as well.” The clip was then posted by Norway Chess with the caption, “We will ALL remember this one thing.”

Tough Game b/w Gukesh and Magnus

Even after losing to Gukesh in round six, a game in which Carlsen was plainly angry as he slapped the table before shaking hands, the Norwegian great recovered. Summing up that defeat, Carlsen said, “The dream of playing a really good tournament burst with that game. It was not my best moment, but I regretted the actions that I took more than the gesture because that sort of just happened at the time. I was so kind of zoned out that I had to get out of the car on the ride home and just take a few minutes to gather myself.”

Watch Magnus’ Reaction:

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 😱🫣 pic.twitter.com/RwBqhfU0gv

— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) June 1, 2025

Carlsen had initially won the opening round but stumbled in round six against Gukesh, who celebrated his first-ever classical win over the World No. 1. However, Carlsen made a strong comeback and secured the championship after Gukesh lost his final-round game to Caruana.

In the final standings, Carlsen topped with 16 points, followed by Caruana at 15.5, and Gukesh with 14.5. Arjun Erigaisi, another Indian talent, ended the tournament in fifth place with 12.5 points. Carlsen later remarked that Gukesh and Erigaisi ‘still need a little bit of time to prepare’, suggesting they are promising but not quite at their peak yet.

Afghanistan Suspends Chess, Labels It a Form of Gambling

May 12, 2025, 11:17 am

The Taliban administration has banned the game of chess throughout Afghanistan based on religious objections and its association with gambling, which is forbidden under the laws of morality of the nation. This was established by Atal Mashwani, the sports directorate spokesman of the Taliban, on Sunday.

Chess under sharia (Islamic law) is regarded as a method of gambling,” Mashwani explained, referring to the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law launched last year. “There are religious concerns towards the game of chess. Until these concerns are resolved, the game of chess is halted in Afghanistan,” he continued.

Since coming to power in 2021, the Taliban has incrementally imposed restrictions in line with its hardline interpretation of Islamic law, including on sports. The national chess federation, Mashwani said, has not held any official events in the last two years and has experienced “some issues on the leadership level”.

Azizullah Gulzada, who runs a café in Kabul where his venue has served as a haunt for recreational chess players, was disappointed with the ban. He discounted any allegations of gambling having been conducted in his café and noted that the game is widely practiced in other Muslim countries. “There are players from many other Islamic countries at an international level,” he said to AFP.

Gulzada admitted he would abide by the ruling but insisted on its negative effect. “Young people do not have many activities nowadays, so many came here every day,” he said. “They would drink a cup of tea and challenge their friends to play chess.”

This is not the first time the Taliban has banned sports. The authorities have already banned a number of other sporting activities, especially for women, who are now largely barred from engaging in sports. In 2023, the government also banned professional combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), deeming them as “too violent” and incompatible with sharia principles.

Uzbek GM Refuses Vaishali’s Handshake, Sparks Debate

January 27, 2025, 3:39 pm

Controversy over the Tata Steel Chess Tournament emerged after Uzbekistan Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev refused to shake hands with Indian GM R. Vaishali. Before their fourth round, Vaishali awkwardly stretched her hand to reach him but sat down without reciprocating her gesture.

After the viral video, Yakubboev addressed the issue on ‘X,’ in which he said sorry and made a clarification that he was not trying to cause offense. He added that he did not touch other women as a matter of religion, saying, “I do not touch other women for religious reasons.”

2) I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behavior, I apologize.
I have some additional explanations:
1. Chess is not haram.

— Nodirbek Yakubboev (@NodirbekYakubb1) January 26, 2025

The 23-year-old GM, who became a grandmaster in 2019, said he was a huge admirer of Vaishali and her brother, R. Praggnanandhaa, and maintained that his behavior was based on his personal belief system. He added, “I do not insist others not to shake hands with the opposite gender or for women to wear hijab or burqa. It is their business what to do.

A renowned Uzbek chess Grandmaster, Nodirbek, refused to shake hands with India’s Women’s Grandmaster Vaishali.

Does religion influence sports? However, he was seen shaking hands with other female players earlier. pic.twitter.com/fGR61wvwUP

— Ayushh (@ayushh_it_is) January 27, 2025

Yakubboev then said he had warned his eighth-round opponent, Romania’s Irina Bulmaga, of his religious stand so that she did not make any wrong inferences. He, however said that in games against Vaishali and Divya, he could not forewarn about his beliefs which made things a bit awkward for him.

D. Gukesh’s Hilarious ‘Do Not Touch’ Post Goes Viral

December 15, 2024, 1:36 pm

This is the historic moment for Indian chess when 18-year-old D. Gukesh has won the World Chess Championship title by taking away the title of defending champion Ding Liren. This is a remarkable victory, and in doing this, it has made Gukesh the youngest player ever to win this prestigious title.

It has surpassed all records and carved out a new niche in chess history. It has provided India with its second world champion after Viswanathan Anand, but it will also introduce a new chapter for Indian chess on the world map.

A Triumph for India

Gukesh‘s victory is an achievement of monumental proportions, especially at such a tender age. His victory goes beyond being a personal achievement; it is a testament to the rising stature of Indian chess. With the defeat of Ding Liren, Gukesh has assuredly cemented his position among the chess elite and inspired countless young players worldwide to take up the game.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

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A post shared by Gukesh (@gukesh.official)

Celebrating With Humour and Grace

Typical of the Gukesh style, he went all out on social media by posting a hilarious message in Instagram to mark his success. Holding up a lighthearted placard that said, “I know I am pretty but please do not touch me,” Gukesh once again won fans’ hearts with his cheerful way of taking his triumph. This post got over 200k likes overnight with fan appreciation for the skilfulness and personality both ways.

Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions

The internet quickly erupted with praise for the chess prodigy. One user wrote, “A champion with a sense of humour! You’ve made us proud, Gukesh!” Another commented, “What a brilliant win! You’re the future of Indian chess.” Fans were also touched by the emotional moment after the match when Gukesh shared a hug with his father, which many described as “heart-melting.”

A Gripping Final and Emotionally Charged Victory

The World Chess Championship match was a hard-fought battle that did not start equal because of the defending champion Ding Liren. His best chance would be to win at tiebreaker, and indeed an error gave it all to Gukesh, where he won to the victory, and in this way, was overcome with emotions at this final move; the final move was how he would lock up the opponent after which he fell weeping outside to the amazement of those surrounding and embracing his father-the tears.

With this achievement, D. Gukesh has not only marked his name in the history of chess but also set the platform for a bright future in this sport.

D Gukesh’s Mom Overjoyed, Embraces Him After Historic Victory | Watch

December 14, 2024, 1:26 pm

Gukesh Dommaraju made history as the youngest world chess champion ever, after defeating China’s defending champion, Ding Liren, to win the coveted title. His incredible feat has been widely appreciated and praised globally, with many videos honoring the chess prodigy going viral on social media. Among these, one video has taken everyone’s heart.

In this heart-warming clip, Gukesh’s mother, Padma Kumari, is seen enjoying an emotional moment with her son during a photo shoot after his historic win.

Video clip captures Gukesh striking poses next to his proud parents, Padma Kumari and Rajinikanth. During the photo session, Padma Kumari has an embrace around her son that is warm and filled with love. She holds him twice during the photo shoot in loving hugs and beams with joy. For viewers, the pride on their parents’ faces makes this a warm moment.

The video, simply titled “Moments,” captures so beautifully the pride and love a parent has for his or her child’s achievement.

Watch Here:

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A post shared by Chess With Lokesh (@chesswithlokesh)

Gukesh recalled his parents’ thoughts: “I have been dreaming about this moment since I started my chess journey at about 7. but the dream was probably bigger for them than it was for me,” Gukesh said after his Thursday win.

His father, Rajinikanth, is said to have quit his job as an ENT surgeon to let Gukesh pursue his passion for chess. His mother, a microbiologist, then took charge of the family responsibilities, allowing her son to fulfill his dreams.

The other viral video is when Padma Kumari kissed Gukesh’s championship trophy after he handed it to her, which once again explains the deep love and pride she has for her son’s achievements.

‘Sambhar Outwits Chow Mein’ Newspaper Headline After D Gukesh Youngest World Chess Champion Win

December 13, 2024, 3:00 pm

The Free Press Journal faced severe backlash for a headline deemed racist in its coverage of Indian Grandmaster Gukesh D’s victory over China’s Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship. Titled “Sambhar Outwits Chow Mein,” the headline sparked outrage on social media, with users on platform X calling it disrespectful and inappropriate. Critics highlighted that such headlines reduce accomplished players, who represent their nations and cultures, to mere stereotypes, overshadowing their sportsmanship and achievements.

Many netizens expressed their displeasure, emphasising the need for responsible journalism, especially when covering international events that bring diverse cultures together. While some called the headline “insensitive,” others demanded an apology, asserting that chess is a game of intellect and respect, and such remarks detract from its essence. The incident serves as a reminder for media outlets to celebrate achievements without resorting to cultural clichés.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL NEWSPAPER HEADLINE:

This might be the Worst Headline in the History of Sports Headline. What makes it worse is that it is used to describe History being Created pic.twitter.com/7vW7B80Rui

— Joy (@Joydas) December 13, 2024

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at just 18, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a nail-biting FIDE World Chess Championship match in Singapore. The Chennai-born Grandmaster, who harboured dreams of this victory since the age of seven, achieved this milestone after a gruelling 14-game match, clinched by exploiting Ding’s critical mistake in the final game. This win not only crowned Gukesh the 18th World Chess Champion but also shattered Garry Kasparov’s record, set at age 22 in 1985.

Gukesh’s journey is a testament to talent nurtured by a robust support system. With over 85 Indian Grandmasters and a thriving chess culture, Gukesh’s rise reflects India’s dominance in the sport. Mentored by chess legend Viswanathan Anand and backed by sponsors like Westbridge Capital, his parents, and his school, Gukesh turned early challenges into victories, including winning the Candidates Tournament and leading India to Olympic gold. His disciplined lifestyle—complemented by meditation, swimming, and tennis—has fortified his focus and ambition.

For Gukesh, the world title is just the beginning. With aspirations to surpass Magnus Carlsen and a desire for a long, impactful career at the top, this young champion embodies the future of global chess.

Bristy Mukherjee Touches Magnus Carlsen’s Feet After Winning Trophy at Tata Steel Chess India 2024 | WATCH

November 18, 2024, 3:37 pm

At the Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024, Bristy Mukherjee, after winning the All India Women Rapid event (Event B) with a perfect 7/7 score, honored World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen by touching his feet while receiving the champion’s trophy.

Take a look at the viral clip:

#tsci2024 #TSCI #tatasteelchessindia #chess #indianchess #kolkata #womeninchess #chessmasters #chessfestival pic.twitter.com/OwkycSsrDc

— Tata Steel Chess India (@tschessindia) November 17, 2024

The gesture, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, left Carlsen initially baffled, though he later smiled as Bristy proudly held up her trophy for the media. Prior to Carlsen, Bristy also touched the feet of the legendary five-time World Champion, Vishwanathan Anand.

Watch here:

Wholesome ❤️

Edit: Abhyudaya Ram #magnuscarlsen #tatasteelchessindia pic.twitter.com/GtijoMFynM

— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) November 17, 2024

Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Grooves to Rajinikanth’s ‘Manasilayo’ | Watch

September 29, 2024, 6:03 pm

Indian chess Grandmaster D Gukesh recently posted a video on social media where he is seen dancing to Rajinikanth’s popular song, ‘Manasilayo.’ In the clip, Gukesh swaps his strategic chess moves for some energetic dance steps, grooving with friends and family while wearing traditional attire. Clad in a red kurta, veshti, and sunglasses, he perfectly follows the catchy song’s hook steps. Towards the end, the chess prodigy walks up to the camera, flashes a smile, and signs off. “Manasilayo…with my family friends!” he wrote in the caption.

Watch:

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A post shared by Rhevaa Sudarsan Raj (@rhevaas_0211)

The 18-year-old, who played a pivotal role in India’s first-ever gold medal win at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, is currently enjoying a break. Gukesh’s outstanding performance at the event saw him win 9 out of 10 games, helping secure the gold medal for the Indian team. His victory propelled India to the top and earned him high praise.

Reflecting on his determination during the Chess Olympiad, Gukesh shared, “Since what happened last time, where we came so close to team gold, this time I thought I would do whatever it takes to win the gold for India. I didn’t focus on individual performance, I just wanted the team to win.” He even skipped the popular Bermuda party at the Olympiad to concentrate fully on his game.

Now ranked in the world’s top 20 and approaching chess legend Viswanathan Anand’s rating, Gukesh, along with his teammates, was recently honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. His next major challenge will be facing Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren at the World Championship in Singapore, scheduled for November 20 to December 15, with a prize of $2.5 million awaiting the winner.

PM Modi Receives This Gift From Chess Star Vantika Agarwal Following Her Double Gold Victory | Watch

September 26, 2024, 1:46 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a unique gift from chess prodigy Vantika Agarwal during a meeting with the double gold winners of the Chess Olympiad 2024. During their encounter, PM Modi reminisced about organizing the ‘Swarnim Chess Mahotsav’ as part of his Khel Mahakumbh initiative in 2010 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He also recalled the ‘Swami Vivekananda Mahila Chess Mahotsav’ held in Gandhinagar in 2012, which attracted 3,500 women chess players, including Vantika. As a gesture, Vantika presented PM Modi with a photo from that event.

The photo depicted PM Modi honoring Vantika, and he expressed his delight at receiving such a “special” gift.

A wonderful interaction with the Indian chess contingent that won the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. Do watch! https://t.co/1fALfjTOe7

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2024

During the meeting, the Prime Minister observed a bullet chess match between Indian Chess Olympiad winners R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi at his residence on Wednesday.

In the recently concluded Chess Olympiad, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams achieved historic success by winning gold medals in their respective categories, making them part of a select group of nations that have accomplished a double gold in the same competition.

Following their impressive achievement, PM Modi hosted the Indian chess teams at his home on Wednesday to celebrate their triumph at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad.

The Prime Minister shared a video on his official social media, featuring Praggnanandhaa and Arjun engaging in bullet chess, captioning it: “Bullet Chess by two Grandmasters. Incredible! India’s chess future is very bright.”

In the men’s competition, the USA finished in second place, with Uzbekistan taking home the bronze. In the women’s event, Kazakhstan secured silver while the USA claimed bronze.

In the tournament’s final round, the Indian men’s team—comprising D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna—defeated Slovenia to win the gold medal. Gukesh and Arjun’s victories gave India a 2-0 lead, solidifying their gold win. Praggnanandhaa later secured his game, and Vidit drew his match, resulting in a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory for India.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team—featuring Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev—also clinched gold by defeating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5. Harika, Divya, and Vantika won their respective matches in the final round, while Vaishali drew her game against Ulviyya Fataliyeva.

Watch: PM Modi Welcomes Chess Olympiad Champions At Delhi Residence

September 25, 2024, 7:26 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Indian men’s and women’s chess teams for achieving the nation’s first-ever gold medal at the Chess Olympiad.

The 45th Chess Olympiad was held in Budapest, Hungary, featuring 197 teams from 195 countries in the men’s division and 183 teams from 181 countries in the women’s division.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister welcomed the victorious teams to his residence in New Delhi to commemorate their historic accomplishment.

Prior to their gold medal victory in Budapest, India’s best performance at the Chess Olympiad was securing a bronze medal at the 2022 edition, which took place on home soil.

The Indian men’s team, which claimed the nation’s inaugural gold medal at the Olympiad, included distinguished players such as D Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi, R Praggnanandhaa, Pentala Harikrishna, and Arjun Erigaisi.

The women’s team, also securing its first gold medal, featured talented players including R Vaishali, D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agarwal.

Watch: Russian Chess Player Poisons Opponent With Mercury Before The Tournament

August 8, 2024, 6:04 pm

In a disturbing turn of events, Russian chess player Amina Abakarova has been suspended after allegedly poisoning her childhood rival, Umayganat Osmanova, by pouring mercury over her chess pieces during a tournament. According to ‘The Post’, Abakarova has been arrested and could face a minimum of three years in prison if found guilty.

Viral CCTV footage captured the chess player entering the event venue in Makhachkala, located in southern Russia. As the video unfolds, she is seen preparing for the act. She glances around, approaches her opponent’s table, retrieves something from her bag, and then pours a ‘substance’ on the chessboard and pieces.

UNITED24 Media shared the footage on X, commenting, “A chess tournament in the Russian republic of Dagestan took a dramatic turn when a player was accused of poisoning her opponent with mercury. Amina Abakarova approached her opponent’s table before the start of the match and spilled mercury near the chessboard.”

Watch:

A chess tournament in the Russian republic of Dagestan took a dramatic turn when a player was accused of poisoning her opponent with mercury.

Amina Abakarova approached her opponent’s table before the start of the match and spilled mercury near the chessboard. pic.twitter.com/vh2YpVmpDU

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) August 7, 2024

In a follow-up post, the handle added, “Umaiganat Osmanova fell ill during the tournament and required medical attention. Abakarova was subsequently detained.”

Dagestan’s minister of sport, Sazhida Sazhidova, expressed her shock to *Mirror US*, stating, “Like many others, I am perplexed by what happened, and the motives of such an experienced competitor as Amina Abakarova are incomprehensible. The actions she took could have led to a most tragic outcome, threatening the lives of everyone who was present, including herself. Now she must answer for what she did by the law.”

During the investigation, Abakarova admitted that her motive for the poisoning was “personal hostility” stemming from a previous defeat by Umayganat Osmanova in a regional competition.

Love Affair with Chess: Who is Bodhana Sivanandan, 9-Year-Old British-Tamil Chess Master?

July 6, 2024, 3:01 am

Nine-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan, a British Tamil chess prodigy, is making waves in the chess world and is all set to script history as the youngest ever international player for England in any sport. Her journey from discovering chess during the Covid-19 lockdown to being selected for the England Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad in Hungary is nothing short of remarkable.

Rise to Chess Stardom

Lockdown Discovery: Bodhana’s love for chess blossomed during the Covid-19 lockdown at the age of five. Her exceptional strategic acumen and intuitive grasp of the game quickly propelled her into the spotlight, leading to her selection for the England Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad in Hungary.

Exceptional Talent: At the age of eight, she achieved a remarkable rating of 2088, making her the third-highest rated 8-year-old chess player ever. Her playing style, described as strategic and patient, has drawn comparisons to chess legends and fictional characters like Beth Harmon from “The Queen’s Gambit”.

9-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan will be the youngest ever to represent England at a Chess Olympiad!??????? Huge congrats to you, and I’m excited to follow your games come September in Budapest!#ChessConnectsUs #prodigy #keepfocus #sporthistory #newgenerations
? https://t.co/GgvoeJphhS pic.twitter.com/hoZFUJLHax

— Judit Polgar (@GMJuditPolgar) July 3, 2024

Sporting Achievements and Recognition

World Championships: Bodhana’s fearless approach and exceptional talent were evident when she won all three world championships titles (classical, rapid, and blitz) at the under-eight level, showcasing her prowess and potential in the chess realm.

Chess Community Recognition: Chess masters have hailed her as a “phenomenon,” recognizing her exceptional talent and ability to visualize the game unfolding, likened to the legendary Judit Polgár, who achieved Grandmaster status at 15 and shattered gender stereotypes in the chess world.

Surprising Talent and Support

Bodhana’s father, Sivanandan, an engineering graduate, expressed surprise at his daughter’s prodigious talent, stating, “I’m an engineering graduate, as is my wife, but I’m not good at chess. I tried a couple of league games, but I was very poor”.

Love Affair with Chess

Bodhana’s journey into the world of chess began when she found a chess board in a bag left by one of her father’s friends. This discovery ignited her love affair with the game, leading to her remarkable achievements and recognition in the chess community.

Bodhana Sivanandan’s story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the potential that can be unearthed in the most unexpected places, showcasing the power of talent and determination at a young age.

Magnus After Losing To Pragg: ‘My Nervous System Just Collapsed Against Praggnanandhaa…’

May 12, 2024, 4:18 pm

Magnus Carlsen was very close to the top spot at the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Rapid and Blitz 2024 on Saturday when he sat against Indian phenom R Praggnanandhaa in Round 11 on Saturday at Warsaw.

After a 69-move battle, the game went into a queen endgame with Pragg a pawn up, Carlsen finally resigned after and later opened up about how deeply that game against Praggnanandhaa had affected him.

“Pretty much every game tomorrow is a must-win for sure,” Carlsen admitted. Sunday is the final day of the Warsaw leg at the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Rapid and Blitz.

He opened up about the blemishing battle against Praggnanandhaa in Round 11.

“I just didn’t have it today. I felt good from the start, but then I think my nervous system just collapsed during or after the game against Pragg, and after that I just sucked, honestly. The score was still half-decent, but obviously if Wei Yi continues to win then it doesn’t matter,” Carlsen told grandmaster Cristian Chirila four hours later.

“I have no sense of anything with a few seconds,” Carlsen later admitted.

It must be noted that Praggnanandhaa himself didn’t recover after that win over Carlsen.

The 18-year-old from India was within just one point of Carlsen in third place, but after beating the World No 1, he lost the next two games.

Indian Chess Prodigy Set to Take on Chinese Grandmaster for World Title

April 24, 2024, 11:54 am

Indian chess prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh emerged victorious at the FIDE candidates chess tournament in Toronto, securing a shot at the world championship against China’s Ding Liren later this year. At just 17, Gukesh became the youngest winner of the Candidates tournament by drawing with American Hikaru Nakamura in the final round, capping off a nearly three-week-long event.

Should Gukesh defeat Ding, he will become the youngest world champion in chess history. The current record holders, Magnus Carlsen from Norway and Garry Kasparov from Russia, were both 22 when they first claimed the title.

Ding Liren, the current world champion, is the highest-rated Chinese chess player ever and a three-time national champion. He secured his first world championship last year by defeating Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Gukesh, who hails from Tamil Nadu in southern India, became India’s youngest grandmaster at the age of 12 years, seven months, and 17 days. The record for the youngest grandmaster is held by Abhimanyu ‘Abhi’ Mishra, an American chess prodigy of Indian descent, who achieved the title at 12 years, four months, and 25 days.

Last year, Gukesh surpassed five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand to become India’s top-ranked chess player, ending Anand’s reign as the country’s top-ranked player since 1987.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in Gukesh’s achievement, stating, “India is exceptionally proud of Gukesh. His outstanding performance and journey to the top inspire millions.” Anurag Thakur, India’s youth affairs and sports minister, praised Gukesh for reclaiming India’s honor in chess and pledged the country’s support as Gukesh prepares to challenge the world champion.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also congratulated Gukesh, promising to support him “at every move” on his journey to become world champion.

Three Indians competed in the eight-player field at the Candidates tournament, with Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, also from Tamil Nadu, and Vidit Gujrathi placing fifth and sixth, respectively. Nepomniachtchi had won the previous two Candidates tournaments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate second phase of Sansad Khel Mahakumbh

January 18, 2023, 11:58 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the second phase of Sansad Khel Mahakumbh on Wednesday, which is going to be held in the Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, after that, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will arrive at the Basti Police Line at 12 p.m. The Khel Mahakumbh will include various indoor and outdoor sports like wrestling, kabaddi, kho kho, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, handball, chess, carom, badminton, table tennis, etc.