Gokesh and Pragnanananda with the 2026 Norwegian Chess Cup and Viswanathan Anand
NEW DELHI: Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand has lauded the recent form of R Praggnanandhaa and suggested that world champion D Gukesh should look to the example of the young grandmaster as he tries to regain momentum.
Pragnananda recently became the first Indian to win Norwegian chess, while Jokish had a disappointing performance and finished sixth.Anand said he admired Pragnananda’s fighting spirit and the way he bounced back strongly in the final stages of the tournament.
“I am happy that Pragnananda won Norwegian chess in impressive style. I am very happy with the amazing turnaround (he made) in the last four rounds.
“He plays the game with some surprising concepts and style,” Anand told PTI.And with Gokish set to defend his world title against Javokhir Sindarov later this year, Anand believes the teenager can learn from Pragnananda’s perseverance. According to the veteran grandmaster, Pragnananda is currently in better shape, although chess fortunes can change quickly.“At the moment, Pragnananda is playing better than Jokesh, but anything can change.
I think there will be frequent fluctuations in the format. Gukesh seems a bit stuck. I think he can take inspiration from Prague. He added: “He can see that if you keep working hard, things will change at some point.”Anand pointed out that Pragnananda’s aggressive approach has remained consistent over the past one-and-a-half years, with the player always willing to take risks and fight for results. Read also: Exclusive interview with R Praggnanandhaa: “Winning against Magnus Carlsen is something I always wanted”He also highlighted the healthy rivalry between Jokesh, Prajnananda and Arjun Irejesi, saying that Indian chess had never seen three players push each other at such a high level.The chess legend was also happy with the overall development India has achieved in the sport. With 95 grandmasters, a current world champion and many elite players competing at the highest levels, Anand believes India is now among the top three countries in the world at chess.