Anand’s Hunger Still Burns as Praggnanandhaa Leads India’s New Chess Wave

XtraTime Newsdesk: Viswanathan Anand may have spent years at the top of world chess, but stepping away from the board has not meant stepping away from the desire to compete.

In an interview, the five-time world champion addressed questions around whether his growing responsibilities in chess administration have affected his competitive hunger. His comments offered a glimpse into a different phase of his career, where leadership responsibilities now sit alongside his instinct to win.

That competitive fire comes at a time when Indian chess is witnessing a generational shift.

R Praggnanandhaa’s historic Grand Chess Tour triumph has placed him at the centre of that change. The 21-year-old became the first Indian to win the GCT title after defeating Fabiano Caruana 15-13 in the final.

For Anand, Praggnanandhaa’s recent form represents more than another Indian success. He believes the youngster is currently playing at a level that makes him the strongest player in the world.

Praggnanandhaa’s rise has also followed a difficult phase, making his recent success even more significant. His GCT victory has strengthened the impression that India’s next generation is ready to challenge the established order.

Yet Viswanathan Anand’s comments add another layer to the story. His continued focus on winning shows that competition remains an important part of his identity, even as his role in the sport expands beyond the chessboard.

As Anand contributes to shaping chess off the board, players like Praggnanandhaa are increasingly defining India’s future on it.

The transition is no longer simply about finding Viswanathan Anand’s successor. It is about a new generation creating an era of its own.