Not Gukesh or Erigaisi! After Carlsen, Indian GM confirmed for Norway Chess

NEW DELHI: Indian chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has confirmed his information successful the prestigious Norway Chess tourney for the 3rd time. This volition proceed his dependable emergence among the world’s elite.

One of the standout talents of the caller generation, Praggnanandhaa precocious qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament aft winning the 2025 FIDE Circuit.

Speaking astir his return, Praggnanandhaa said, “Looking guardant to beryllium backmost successful Norway Chess, I enjoyed playing successful 2024. Most breathtaking format I person played!”His transportation with Norway Chess grew stronger successful 2024, erstwhile helium registered his archetypal classical triumph implicit Magnus Carlsen.The aforesaid year, helium was portion of India’s golden medal–winning squad astatine the Chess Olympiad. These accordant performances person helped Praggnanandhaa scope a career-high satellite ranking of fig four, on with a highest standing of 2785.With this announcement, Praggnanandhaa has been confirmed arsenic the 2nd subordinate to enactment successful this year’s Norway Chess lawsuit successful Oslo, pursuing Magnus Carlsen, who was revealed earlier arsenic the archetypal entrant.

As the organisers proceed to unveil the remaining names each week, hopes stay live for reigning satellite champion D Gukesh and India’s top-ranked subordinate Arjun Erigaisi to besides diagnostic successful the prestigious tournament.Norway Chess organisers were arsenic enthusiastic astir his confirmation. COO Benedicte Westre Skog praised his interaction astatine the event, saying, “Praggnanandhaa delivered immoderate memorable moments astatine Norway Chess successful 2024, and it's large to invited him back."From qualifying for the Candidates to achieving large results connected the satellite stage, his consistency and ambition marque him an breathtaking subordinate for some fans and competitors. We're looking guardant to seeing what helium brings to the tourney successful 2026.”