"I know I can beat Magnus" - R Praggnanandhaa exerts self-belief, opens up on what inspired India’s historic triumph at the Chess Olympiad [Exclusive]

R Praggnanandhaa is just 19 years of age but has already established himself as one of the pioneers of chess in India. As a member of the Indian men's team, Praggnanandhaa recently conquered the Chess Olympiad in Budapest by winning the coveted gold medal.

This young sensation is not just an Indian star but a global phenomenon. So much so that five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen had termed him as a 'tough opponent'. The Indian grandmaster had captured everyone's imagination by beating Magnus in a classical game for the first time earlier this year.

Praggnanandhaa was recently in a conversation with Sportskeeda on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony for the Olympiad champions in Delhi.

"Playing against a world champion like Magnus means that I am the underdog. The pressure is not on me. It's then all about responding. But, I carry great self-belief. I know I can beat Magnus Carlsen or anyone for that matter on a given day," he said with a great sense of confidence.

The Chennai-born player was beaming with glee after playing his part in securing a historic feat for India at the Olympiad. However, he feels that more than the players, it was the love of the country that instilled great motivation in them to succeed.

"The love for our sport has gone up so much in India. To see so much of support in recent times is what inspired us to perform the way we did at the Olympiad. Knowing that the entire country is watching you and waiting for you to succeed, you carry that added determination to the chess board," he said.

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"Indian chess is there because of Viswanathan Anand" - Praggnanandhaa showers ultimate praise on chess legend

R Praggnanandhaa might still be young but has already become an inspiration to many aspiring chess players around the world. But for him, there will never be anyone more inspirational than his idol and one of the greatest chess legends, Viswanathan Anand.

"Vishy sir has been a huge inspiration. Not just for me, this sentiment applies to almost every chess player in India. Indian chess is there because of Viswanathan Anand. There was no chess culture in India before him. It was only after he came, that chess found a love in India. As a human, he is even more special," expressed Praggnanandhaa.

Pragg, as he is fondly called by his loved ones and fans, is well on his path of becoming a chess legend himself. His skill-set and maturity serve as a perfect blend for this young star who continues to excel whenever he plays.