Ananya Lohia , Chennai - Following R Praggnanandhaa's historic victory at the Norway Chess 2026, his mother, Nagalakshmi Rameshbabu, credited hard work, resilience, and enjoying the process as the keys to success in both sports and academics.

Speaking in Chennai on Sunday, Nagalakshmi said an excessive focus on results should never overshadow the effort put into achieving them. She emphasized that success eventually follows when one enjoys the journey and continues working hard despite setbacks. Nagalakshmi noted that while coaches and support staff handle the technical aspects of chess, her role is to provide support and stability at home. She added that Praggnanandhaa's immediate goal after his Norway Chess triumph is to continue improving his live ratings in the rankings of the International Chess Federation.

She also shared an update on Praggnanandhaa's sister, R Vaishali, who is currently competing in the FIDE Women's Championship in Japan. According to Nagalakshmi, Vaishali's long-term target is to prepare for a World Championship challenge over the next six months. Dismissing any talk of sibling rivalry, she said both siblings fully support each other and do not view themselves as competitors. Reflecting on their journey, she highlighted the influence of five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who met Praggnanandhaa during his early school days and remains his biggest inspiration. Vaishali currently trains at Anand's academy.

Nagalakshmi also revealed that their chess journey began with a simple parenting decision. To reduce Vaishali's television viewing, she was enrolled in chess, drawing, and yoga classes. After Vaishali excelled in chess, a young Praggnanandhaa became interested by watching his sister practise at home, setting both siblings on the path to becoming world-class grandmasters.