Indian chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa recently spoke about the significance of wearing vibhuti, the sacred ash commonly used in Hindu religious rituals, on his forehead. During an interview with podcaster Raj Shamani, the young prodigy was asked about the meaning behind the mark he is often seen wearing.
Praggnanandhaa offered a simple yet thoughtful explanation, linking the practice to his personal philosophy. “It’s basically ash. We come from ash and return to it, so there’s nothing to be arrogant about,” he said, highlighting the reminder of humility it gives him.
Despite his grounded outlook, Praggnanandhaa remains ambitious about his future in the sport. Speaking to The Associated Press in a recent interview, he said, “I can become world No. 1 and world champion,” reflecting his confidence and long-term goals.
At just 12 years and 10 months old, Praggnanandhaa became one of the youngest grandmasters in history, a prestigious title awarded by the world chess federation to exceptional players.
He also reflected on the mindset shared by many Indian athletes, noting that a strong work ethic and a focus on continuous improvement often take precedence over immediate results. “I think all of us have these common traits that come from the Indian background. We are hard-working and focus more on improving rather than results. But chess is an individual sport, so everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
Source / Image Credit : Money Control , Sheetal Chopra
