The Dynamic Duo and their Incredible Mother
As India celebrates its double 🥇 medal triumph at the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024, it is evident that Indian chess has reached new heights in recent years. While Viswanathan Anand stood alone as the country’s representative in the World’s Top 10 for decades, by September 2024, three additional young Indian talents have joined him in this elite circle. Among this remarkable talent pool is the extraordinary brother-sister duo of Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali, who have captured the attention of the chess world. ♟️✨
Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali are the only siblings to hold the title of Grandmaster and compete in the prestigious Candidates tournament, where the world’s elite vie for the chance to challenge the reigning World Chess Champion. Recently, Vaishali played a pivotal role in securing India’s first-ever gold medal for the women’s team at the Olympiad, while Praggnanandhaa was instrumental in leading the men’s team to a similar triumph. 🏆👑
While we celebrate these young prodigies for their achievements, it is essential to recognize the crucial role played by their mother, Nagalakshmi. Quietly supporting her children from behind the scenes, she has ensured that nothing interferes with their performance on the board. 🌟💪
Nagalakshmi identified her children’s innate talent for chess early on and took proactive steps to nurture it. Gradually, chess became a common topic of discussion at the dinner table, allowing both Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali to develop their skills further, aided by professional coaching. At the same time, she was keenly aware that academic excellence should not be sacrificed for sporting success. With meticulous planning, she managed their schedules to strike a balance between their studies and their burgeoning chess careers. 📚🎓
Instilling a growth mindset, Nagalakshmi emphasised values such as humility, sportsmanship, and resilience in her children. She taught them to learn from losses and remain grounded in victory. This approach has not only shaped Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali into exceptional chess players but also into commendable individuals, as reflected in their behaviour over the board. 🤝🏅
Nagalakshmi has also travelled extensively with her children to tournaments worldwide, ensuring they can concentrate fully on their game without the distractions of logistics or nutrition. ✈️🍽️
As Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali continue to raise the bar, their mother’s unwavering emotional support and guidance help them maintain focus and balance in their lives. Former Women’s World Champion Susan Polgar was so impressed by Nagalakshmi’s dedication that she referred to her as an “Amazing Chess Mom.” 👏❤️
As with any success story, Nagalakshmi’s journey has been marked by sacrifices, exemplifying the profound impact a dedicated and supportive parent can have on their children’s lives. Looking ahead, the chess world can anticipate remarkable achievements from this duo, but it is vital to acknowledge the love and dedication of Nagalakshmi and also GM’s father Ramesh Babu in nurturing two of India’s brightest chess stars. 🌟
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐲 : 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚𝐯 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐦
