‘Handled pressure well’: Anurag Thakur after Praggnanandhaa’s Çhess World Cup loss

Although Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa went down fighting against Magnus Carlsen today (August 22) in the Chess World Cup 2023 title in Baku, Azerbaijan, he handled the pressure well, said Union Home Minister Anurag Singh Thakur appreciating the way Praggnanandhaa played the final against Carlsen. He also stated that to play in the final in the game’s topmost championship is a remarkable achievement. 

Notably, Magnus Carlsen defeated India’s chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa today to claim the Chess World Cup 2023 title. Both the players have now qualified for the prestigious Candidates tournament. The 18-year-old Praggnanandhaa has been a revelation and defeated a number of players including Fabiano Caruana in the semifinal.

‘At that young age, it means a lot’: Anurag Singh Thakur

Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated R Praggnanandhaa for his recent set of achievements and also lauded the way he held his nerves during the final today. “At that young age, only the second Indian to be at that level and qualify for the finals means a lot. Praggnanandhaa is special and the way he has played and the way he handled the pressure, the youngsters have a lot to learn from him,” he said.

To play against one of the top opponents globally at that level is also praiseworthy, said Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur. “140 crore Indians were behind him and sent wishes for him. It happens in any game, you win or lose but coming up to that level means a lot. At that young age, to play against the best of the best in the world. He has made India proud and we are so happy and proud of his achievements.”

“It clearly shows how India is doing well in the field of sports and when we hosted the Chess olympiad recently, we have also showcased to the world how India can host such an event and during that event, our Chess players did extremely well.”

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa's dream run in the FIDE World Cup ended at the hands of world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, who beat him 1.5-0.5 in the tie-break in Baku, Azerbaijan on August 24 after the classical games ended in a stalemate. The second 25+10 tie-break game ended in a draw in 22 moves as the Norwegian legend played it safe after he had won the first, displaying his end-game skills.