Praggnanandhaa Relies on Team Unity for India’s Upcoming Olympiad Title Defense
Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa emphasizes that deep-rooted friendships within the Indian squad will be a decisive factor in their title defense. He defends teammate Gukesh against criticism, citing his proven track record at the highest levels of global chess.
The Strength of Collective Experience
As India prepares to defend its championship status, Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa believes the squad’s internal chemistry serves as a significant competitive advantage. Speaking at D.G. Vaishnav College on July 27, 2026, the 20-year-old noted that the roster remains largely consistent with the gold-medal-winning 2024 lineup. The only structural change involves Nihal Sarin, who joins the team in place of P. Harikrishna.
Praggnanandhaa stated that their status as close friends alleviates the typical friction found in high-stakes international play. He dismissed the notion that external pressure as defending champions might hinder their performance. According to the Grandmaster, the primary drive comes from internal expectations rather than public scrutiny. The team has navigated these environments previously and possesses the necessary poise to manage the weight of representing the national colors.
Defending Gukesh and Analyzing the Field
Addressing recent concerns regarding World Champion D. Gukesh’s form, Praggnanandhaa offered a firm defense of his teammate. He pointed to Gukesh’s history of securing both board prizes and team gold as evidence of his elite standing. The Grandmaster characterized any recent struggles as a temporary phase common to all top-tier athletes, asserting that Gukesh has already demonstrated he belongs at the pinnacle of the sport.
Looking toward the competition, Praggnanandhaa identified specific threats to the Indian title. He highlighted the host nation as a primary contender for the podium. The Uzbekistan lineup, featuring talents such as Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov, represents one of the most formidable challenges India will face during the event.
Source: The Hindu — Other Sports
