Indian Chess Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has opened up about the emotional impact of his disappointing campaign at the Candidates Tournament earlier this year, admitting that it was difficult to process missing out on a crucial opportunity in the World Championship cycle despite years of preparation and focus.

The 20-year-old, who competed in the Candidates held in Cyprus, finished seventh in the eight-player field, far from contention, as Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov clinched the title and secured the right to challenge reigning world champion D Gukesh. Praggnanandhaa said he had dedicated the previous two years primarily toward qualifying for and succeeding in the event, making the outcome particularly difficult to accept.

Despite the setback, Praggnanandhaa has shown strong recovery in subsequent tournaments and is currently competing at Norway Chess, where he has emerged as a contender for the title. With two rounds remaining, he sits third in the standings, just two points behind leader Wesley So, giving him an opportunity to regain momentum in the new World Championship cycle.

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Reflecting on his mindset after the Candidates, Praggnanandhaa said he had invested significant emotional and professional energy into the qualification process, which made the result harder to digest. He acknowledged that the defeat forced him to reassess his approach and shift focus away from long-term qualification pressure toward enjoying the game more in the present.

The Indian grandmaster added that after the Candidates, he consciously tried to detach from the pressure of chasing qualification cycles and instead focused on rediscovering enjoyment in chess. He described the period as mentally exhausting, noting that elite-level competition often involves constant travel, preparation, and high-stakes performance demands.

Praggnanandhaa also spoke about burnout in professional chess, highlighting the strain of competing across multiple countries in a short span of time. He said that at certain points, the repetitive cycle of tournaments can become mentally draining, even when physical fitness remains intact, and emphasised the importance of scheduled breaks to maintain long-term performance.

He further noted that personal moments of support helped him cope with the disappointment, particularly the success of his sister R Vaishali, who secured victory in the Women’s Candidates and earned a place in a World Championship match. He said her achievement provided emotional balance during a challenging phase in his own career.

Looking ahead, Praggnanandhaa said he plans to slightly reduce his tournament load in the future to avoid exhaustion, while still participating in major global events. He also reflected on the trade-offs required in pursuing elite sport at a young age, including limited time for traditional education and social experiences, stating that while he does not regret his choices, they came with personal sacrifices. Despite the challenges, the Indian chess star remains focused on continuing his progress on the international circuit, balancing ambition with sustainability as he navigates the next phase of his career.

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