Vantika Agrawal was introduced to chess during a chance encounter in school. (Image: Instagram) NEW DELHI: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is a saying mined by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.For Vantika Agrawal, it was the simple, yet mesmerising, sight of chess pieces gliding across the 64 squares that set…
R Praggnanandhaa (Tata Steel Chess Tournament Photo) NEW DELHI: In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious at the Tata Steel Masters 2025, held in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. His triumph was celebrated upon his return to Chennai, where officials from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) greeted…
Viswanathan Anand (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Chess legend Viswanathan Anand’s unexpected withdrawal from the upcoming Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour has undoubtedly raised eyebrows across the global chess community.Initially scheduled to take part in the season-opening event in Germany, Anand’s decision to pull out has sparked questions, especially amid the tensions between FIDE, the global…
NEW DELHI: Indian president Droupadi Murmu honoured D Gukesh, the youngest-ever world chess Champion, with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. Gukesh’s extraordinary achievements this year have redefined the landscape of chess, not just in India but globally.At just 18 years old, Gukesh clinched the World Chess Championship…
Viswanathan Anand, D Gukesh and other chess champions (Screengrab) NEW DELHI: Indian chess icons, including five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand and reigning World Champion D Gukesh, lit up Pongal celebrations with their infectious energy and dance moves.Joining them were prodigious talents Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi, all decked out in traditional attire, veshtis, at…
Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Photo Credit: @FIDE_chess on X) NEW DELHI: The 2024 World Blitz Championship final in Wall Street, New York culminated in a groundbreaking decision as Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi chose to share the coveted title. This unprecedented outcome followed an intense, closely fought series of games that, if not anything,…
Viswanathan Anand and Vaishali (Photo Credit: X) NEW DELHI: The 2024 World Blitz Championship in New York saw Indian chess prodigy Vaishali Rameshbabu finishing third after a stellar entry to the knockouts. As India’s Vaishali clinched a historic bronze medal in the Women’s section, former world champion and Vaishali’s mentor Viswanathan Anand congratulated the 23-year-old…
NEW DELHI: After Magnus Carlsen confirmed his return to the World Blitz Chess Championship following FIDE‘s decision to allow players to compete in jeans, the World No. 1 hit back at the body’s deputy president Viswanathan Anand.Carlsen found himself at the center of controversy after refusing to adhere to the rules and was fined $200…
Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand NEW DELHI: Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen’s unexpected withdrawal from the World Rapid and Blitz Championships has drawn sharp reactions from across the chess community. The controversy stemmed from Carlsen’s refusal to comply with FIDE‘s dress code, which prohibits jeans at tournament venues. This defiance led to his disqualification…
Arjun Erigaisi (PTI Photo) Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi secured his US visa, enabling him to participate in the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York. The tournament commences on December 26th.Erigaisi, currently ranked world No. 4, had previously appealed to the US Embassy for expedited visa processing. He needed the visa to compete against…
