When R Praggnanandhaa created history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title, the spotlight naturally fell on the young grandmaster and his remarkable achievement, as reported by TOI.
Yet, behind that milestone stands a story of unwavering parental support, determination, and years of dedication from his mother, Nagalakshmi, who played a pivotal role in shaping the journeys of both Praggnanandhaa and his sister Vaishali.
Today, the brother-sister duo are celebrated as India’s “Golden Chess Siblings,” but their rise to international prominence began in far humbler circumstances. Growing up in a middle-class household in Chennai, the family faced several challenges.
During their childhood, the siblings witnessed their father’s struggle with polio. Despite these difficulties, Nagalakshmi remained committed to ensuring that her children never lost sight of their aspirations.
According to TOI (Times of India), the family’s introduction to chess happened almost by chance. What began as a simple attempt to reduce Vaishali’s television time eventually transformed the lives of the entire family.
How a Simple Decision Sparked a Chess Journey
In an interview, Nagalakshmi recalled how she initially enrolled Vaishali in multiple extracurricular activities to keep her engaged after school.
"She would watch some cartoon channels all the time. So, in order to divert her attention, we put her in Chess, Drawing, and Yoga classes for 3 hours post-school, and made her schedule busy. From all of this, she started performing well in Chess within 6 months. We found her a coach. That’s the reason Vaishali became a Chess player," Nagalakshmi said while speaking to ChessBase India.
As reported by TOI (Times of India), Vaishali quickly displayed an aptitude for the game. Recognizing her potential, the family invested in professional coaching, unknowingly setting in motion a journey that would eventually see both children reach the pinnacle of world chess.
Spotting Praggnanandhaa’s Talent at an Early Age
While Vaishali was attending training sessions and practicing regularly, her younger brother Praggnanandhaa was still a toddler. According to Nagalakshmi, the two-year-old often interrupted his sister’s practice sessions. Over time, however, the chessboard and pieces became objects of fascination for him.
As TOI (Times of India) noted, this accidental exposure marked the beginning of Praggnanandhaa’s own relationship with the game.
Because travelling frequently with such a young child proved challenging, arrangements were made for coaching sessions at home. These early lessons gradually revealed the extraordinary talent he possessed.
With consistent practice and encouragement, Praggnanandhaa soon began participating in competitive tournaments. By the time he was five years old, he was already competing at district and state levels, demonstrating a level of skill uncommon for his age.
Nagalakshmi explained that his coaches made learning enjoyable by rewarding effort rather than creating pressure.
"If he finished the homework, his coach would give him a gift like toy cars," shared Nagalakshmi.
The same nurturing environment was created for Vaishali. Positive reinforcement, encouragement, and small rewards became important tools in helping both children remain motivated and enthusiastic about learning.
A Constant Presence Behind Every Achievement
As the siblings progressed from local competitions to national and international tournaments, chess evolved from an after-school activity into a serious pursuit.
Throughout this transformation, Nagalakshmi remained a constant source of support. According to TOI (Times of India), she accompanied her children through demanding training schedules, long-distance travel, and countless tournaments. While the world applauded their victories, she continued to work quietly behind the scenes, ensuring they had everything they needed to succeed.
Whether it was managing logistics, providing emotional support, or helping them navigate setbacks, Nagalakshmi became an indispensable part of their journey.
Following Praggnanandhaa’s landmark victory at Norway Chess 2026, she reflected on the values that had guided their family throughout the years.
"If one enjoys the process and continues to work hard despite setbacks, success will eventually follow," she said in an interview with PTI.
Lessons from a Mother Who Raised Champions
For Nagalakshmi, the years spent supporting her children were never viewed as sacrifices. Instead, they were opportunities to help them pursue their passions and realize their full potential.
As highlighted by TOI (Times of India), her parenting approach was rooted in recognizing talent early, providing consistent encouragement, and remaining patient through both successes and disappointments.
From enrolling Vaishali in extracurricular classes to nurturing Praggnanandhaa’s curiosity for chess, every step reflected a belief in allowing children to explore their interests while providing the guidance needed to flourish.
The story of Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali is often celebrated as a tale of exceptional talent and hard work. Yet, behind their rise to become two of India’s most accomplished chess players stands a mother whose quiet dedication helped create the foundation upon which their success was built.
Today, as the siblings continue to inspire aspiring chess players around the world, Nagalakshmi’s role serves as a reminder that behind many champions are parents whose unwavering support makes extraordinary achievements possible.
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