In a rare and remarkable feat, grandmaster siblings R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu from Chennai have made history by winning gold medals at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad. Representing India in both the men’s and women’s teams, the brother-sister duo has firmly established themselves on the global chess scene, marking an unprecedented achievement in the chess world.
Historic double gold for India
The 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Hungary was a landmark event for India. The men’s team, including R Praggnanandhaa, along with D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, clinched gold in the open section. Meanwhile, the women’s team, with R Vaishali, Harika Dronavalli, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev, also secured a historic gold.
India’s performance was nothing short of stellar, as they defeated top-tier teams like Slovenia and Azerbaijan, securing their position as one of the strongest chess nations. For Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali, winning gold in the same tournament was a moment of immense pride for their family, as well as for the country.
R Praggnanandhaa: Chess Prodigy
Born in 2005, R Praggnanandhaa has quickly risen to become one of India’s top chess players. He made headlines early in his career by becoming the youngest international master at the age of 10. In 2018, he became a grandmaster at just 12, making him the second-youngest grandmaster in history at the time.
Praggnanandhaa’s career has been filled with remarkable achievements, including wins against some of the top-ranked players in the world. In 2023, he reached the final of the Chess World Cup, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player. His gold medal at the 2024 Olympiad further adds to his growing legacy.
Vaishali Rameshbabu: Rising Star in Women’s Chess
Vaishali Rameshbabu, born in 2001, is Praggnanandhaa’s elder sister and an equally accomplished chess player. She has been making waves in the women’s chess circuit for years. Winning the Girls’ World Youth Chess Championship twice in her early teens, she earned her Woman Grandmaster title in 2018 and later became an International Master.
Vaishali’s resilience and strategic gameplay were on full display at the Chess Olympiad. Her crucial contributions to the women’s team, particularly in the final rounds, were instrumental in securing India’s victory.
Family of Chess Champions
The success of Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali is a testament to the support and dedication of their family. Their parents, Rameshbabu and Nagalakshmi, have played an essential role in shaping the careers of these two grandmasters. While Nagalakshmi often travels with her children for tournaments, Rameshbabu manages things from home, offering unwavering encouragement.
The family’s commitment to chess has borne fruit, with both siblings achieving the highest levels of success in the sport. As their father proudly states, the most fulfilling aspect of their journey is not just their individual achievements, but India’s dominance in the Olympiad.
Bright future ahead for star Chess siblings
At just 19 and 23 years old, Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali have already accomplished more than most could dream of in their careers. Their double gold in the 2024 Chess Olympiad is a testament to their skill, discipline, and hard work. With many more years ahead of them, the world can expect even greater feats from these grandmaster siblings.
As they continue to make waves on the international chess scene, Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali are shining examples of India’s rising prominence in the global chess arena.
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