Chess is a true test of intelligence and strategy and a game that requires years of practice, devotion, and support from those closest to you.

This was exemplified by the recent World Cup final between 18-year-old Indian prodigy Rameshbabu ‘Pragg’ Praggnanandhaa and the world's highest-ranked player, Magnus Carlsen—a monumental moment for the young player.

However, it wasn't just Pragg who was feeling the pressure to perform; his mum Nagalakshmi was feeling the heat, too, as evidenced by two heartwarming photos of her which have gone viral online.

The photos were taken while Pragg was giving an interview following his sudden death tie-break against Arjun Erigaisi.

The mum was overcome with emotions after her son's victory. Credit: Twitter/Divya Gandotra Tandon.

The first photo showed a speechless Nagalakshmi with tears streaming down her cheeks. The second image captured her beaming proudly as she watched her son, easily a relatable scene to many watching from the sidelines.

'It’s definitely good to have someone here. My mother is always supportive. Even after losing games, she was just trying to calm me down,' an appreciative Pragg said of his mum.

'It's good to have someone rooting for you. She's a really big support, not only for me but for my sister as well.'

Talking about the final game before it began, Pragg said, 'I didn't expect to play Magnus in this tournament at all because the only way I could play him was in the final, and I didn't expect to be in the final... I will just try to give my best and see how it goes.'

Unfortunately, things didn't quite go to plan, as the game ended in a draw after anhour of play. World champ Carlsen tried to chase a win with black pieces at the beginning of Game 1 on Tuesday, but no one could take an unassailable lead by the time the match ended after 35 moves.

Game 2, unfortunately, didn't last much longer, with both players making 30 moves into the match before they agreed to a draw.

Pragg, playing with white pieces, was ahead on time at the start of the contest but could not press on his advantage and came under time trouble himself by the end.

Nevertheless, by making it to the final, Pragg had become the third youngest player after the legendary Bobby Fischer and Carlsen to qualify for the Candidates tournament—which is no small feat!

And even though he didn't bring home a win on the day, we can all celebrate with him and his mum, who supported her son in his endeavour and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions along the way. Kudos to her!

Key Takeaways

• Young Indian chess star Rameshbabu ‘Pragg’ Praggnanandhaa played against the world's highest-rated chess player Magnus Carlsen in the FIDE World Cup 2023 final.
• Photos of Pragg's mother, overcome with emotion as she watched him play, went viral on social media.
• Pragg credited his success to the support from his mother, stating that she was always supportive and a calming presence, even after the losses.
• The second game of the FIDE World Cup final between Praggnanandhaa and Carlsen ended quickly in a draw.
• Pragg is the third youngest player to qualify for the Candidates tournament.

It's clear that Pragg and his mum have much to be proud of. We couldn't be happier for them, and we're looking forward to seeing what more he will accomplish!

What are your thoughts on this story, folks? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[MariaG]

Awww that's nice.
Nothing like a mother's love when you need it the most.
Looks like the boy's future is set in stone, for that, I'm sure his mum would be very happy.