Praggnanandhaa interview: I’m just having fun with the game

Praggnanandhaa, the rising star of chess, is enjoying his success after a whirlwind year that included the Norway Chess and Grand Chess Tour (GCT) finals. The Indian prodigy admits that winning both tournaments marked a first in history for his country, as no one else had accomplished this feat. During a recent interview with The Indian Express, Praggnanandhaa discussed his newfound happiness with the game, his confidence, and his reasons for being satisfied with being a reserve player in India's Olympiad team.

Asked about the impact of not making it to the Candidates, Praggnanandhaa stated that the experience could have a positive effect on his mental state. While aiming for the Candidates would have been ideal, he expressed satisfaction in the results he's achieved so far. He noted that winning GCT tournaments and Norway Chess helped him regain his confidence after a disappointing Candidates experience.

When asked if he had ever felt invincible, Praggnanandhaa clarified that no player is truly unbeatable. He emphasized the importance of balancing confidence with a respect for the game and the need to remain cautious. Although he believes that confidence can come from both training and winning, he stressed that on any given day, it's crucial to deliver one's best performance against the world's top players.