In a landmark achievement for Indian chess, 20-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has become the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title, one of the strongest and most coveted events on the international chess calendar.
Competing against an elite field that included World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, reigning World Champion D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So, and Vincent Keymer, Praggnanandhaa delivered a sensational campaign marked by resilience, clutch performances, and standout victories. He defeated Carlsen twice in classical chess, joining an elite group of players to achieve this feat in a single tournament, and secured a crucial classical win over Gukesh.
Entering the final round in contention, Praggnanandhaa held fellow Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi to a draw before prevailing in the Armageddon tiebreak. This result, combined with other outcomes, propelled him to the top of the standings in what has been described as one of the most memorable comebacks in the tournament’s history.
The triumph comes amid India’s remarkable chess renaissance, with a new generation of Grandmasters consistently challenging the world’s best. Neither five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand nor Gukesh had previously won Norway Chess, underscoring the significance of Praggnanandhaa’s feat. Often called the “Wimbledon of Chess,” the tournament, established in 2013, annually assembles the game’s highest-rated players.
Praggnanandhaa’s victories over Carlsen were particularly notable, further cementing his status among the game’s brightest talents. He has now recorded multiple classical wins against the Norwegian superstar and demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the event, bouncing back from setbacks to stay in title contention.
This victory adds to his growing resume, which already includes qualification for the Candidates Tournament, and highlights the depth of talent in Indian chess.
Adani Sportsline’s “Garv Hai” Athlete Shines
Praggnanandhaa is supported by Adani Sportsline through its “Garv Hai” initiative, and he has been nurtured with financial support, international exposure, and structured mentorship. The initiative aims to develop India’s next generation of sporting champions. Adani Sportsline is the sports arm of the diversified Adani Group.
Formed in 2019, Adani Sportsline aims to inculcate a culture of sports at the grassroots level and create globally competitive opportunities for future champions in India. The company aims to build a world-class sports ecosystem that nurtures sporting talent, accelerates the sports economy and plays the role of an enabler in India’s journey to become a leading sporting nation.
Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, congratulated the young Grandmaster, calling the win “one of the ultimate tests of endurance, intellect and temperament.” He praised Praggnanandhaa’s “fearless, focused and deeply Indian spirit,” noting that the achievement represents “the confidence of a rising, youthful India.”
Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited, said, “Praggnanandhaa’s achievement… is a proud moment for Indian chess and Indian sport. He continues to make giant strides… and his journey will inspire countless young boys and girls across the country.”
