Praggnanandhaa’s Mother’s Intuitive Support in Chess
R Praggnanandhaa, the young chess sensation who recently made it to the final of the FIDE World Cup, credits much of his success to his mother, Nagalakshmi. Despite not following chess closely, Nagalakshmi has an uncanny ability to gauge her son’s performance just by observing his facial expressions and body language during games. Praggnanandhaa expressed his gratitude for his mother’s presence at his chess events, emphasizing her pivotal role in managing logistics and providing emotional support to him and his sister.
Nagalakshmi’s dedication goes beyond emotional support; she even carries cooking equipment to foreign countries so that Praggnanandhaa can enjoy home-cooked meals before his matches. The chess prodigy prefers Indian food, especially when prepared by his mother, as it has been a consistent part of his pre-game routine throughout his chess journey.
Additionally, Praggnanandhaa shared his eagerness to learn from chess world champion Magnus Carlsen. He seeks insights into Carlsen’s thought processes, strategies, and approach to chess positions, as Carlsen has dominated the game for the past decade. Their discussions provide valuable learning opportunities for the young chess prodigy, helping him refine his skills and tactics.
Praggnanandhaa acknowledges the crucial role his mother plays in his chess career, from offering unwavering support to ensuring his nutritional needs are met. Her presence and intuition have been instrumental in his journey to becoming a rising star in the world of chess.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Indian Express
