Siblings' Journey: How Sisters Shaped Chess Champions
For many chess champions, a sister made the opening move
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Vaishali Rameshbabu and her brother Praggnanandhaa, both accomplished chess players from India, credit their early interest in chess to their supportive family, particularly their sisters. Vaishali recently qualified for the Women's World Chess Championship, while Praggnanandhaa became the youngest International Master at age 10, showcasing the pivotal role of family in their chess journeys.
- 01Vaishali Rameshbabu became the second Indian woman to qualify for the Women's World Chess Championship.
- 02Praggnanandhaa became the youngest-ever International Master at age 10.
- 03Both siblings were inspired by their sisters, who introduced them to chess.
- 04Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa are the first brother-sister duo to compete in the Candidates Tournament.
- 05Their early training emphasized studying classic games and tactics over technology.
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Vaishali Rameshbabu and her brother Praggnanandhaa have become prominent figures in chess, largely due to the influence of their family, particularly their sisters. Vaishali, who recently qualified for the Women's World Chess Championship, was introduced to chess at a young age, while Praggnanandhaa, inspired by his sister's practice, became the youngest-ever International Master at just 10 years old. Their upbringing included lessons from coach S. Thiagarajan at the Bloom Chess Academy, where they studied classic games from legends like Mikhail Tal and Garry Kasparov. Notably, in 2024, they became the first brother-sister duo to compete in the Candidates Tournament, with Vaishali winning the Women's Candidates, bringing her closer to her dream of becoming a world champion. This narrative echoes the journeys of other chess legends like Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen, who also found motivation through their sisters. Their stories highlight the significant role of family in nurturing talent and passion for chess.
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The success of Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa highlights the importance of family support in nurturing young talent in chess, potentially inspiring more families to engage in the sport.
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