Indian Grandmaster R Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa made the whole nation sit up and applaud at the 18-year-old's heroics at the FIDE Chess World Cup. Praggnanandhaa became the youngest Indian to play in a Chess World Cup final, where he went on to lose to current world no. 1 and champion Magnus Carlsen in a tie-breaker. (More Sports News)
Praggnanandhaa returned home to a hero's welcome as many gathered at the airport to welcome the champ. What's more, he also met the Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. In a media interaction, Praggnanandhaa revealed the details about his chat with the Indian Prime Minister and more.
Apart from his chat with Modi, Praggnanandhaa was also asked about cricket and who is his favourite cricketer. The 18-year-old mentioned R Ashwin.
"PM Modi made me very comfortable. He asked me about my training, my father's job etc. I enjoyed interacting with him". He also said apart from Chess he follows cricket and if he had to pick one favourite player, it would be Ashwin," Praggnanandhaa was quoted on the NDTV website.
Praggnanandhaa also dwelved into his diet and fitness regime. He revealed that he does yoga and meditation.
"I practice yoga and meditation to improve concentration: Praggnanandhaa. Before a game, I prefer eating Indian food. It is something that I enjoy. Preferably home food so my mother cooks for me. Praggnanandhaa," he said to NDTV.