Praggnanandhaa Celebrates Sister Vaishali's Historic Victory at FIDE Women's Candidates
Synopsis
Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa congratulates his sister, Vaishali Rameshbabu, on her groundbreaking win at the FIDE Women's Candidates. This victory marks a significant milestone in Indian chess history, as she becomes the first Indian to achieve this honor. Her inspiring journey and dedication have set a new benchmark in the sport.
Key Takeaways
Vaishali Rameshbabu is the first Indian to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates.
She achieved a score of 8.5/14 to secure her victory.
Praggnanandhaa expressed pride and support for his sister.
Vaishali will compete against Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship.
The event showcases the growth and potential of Indian chess on the global stage.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to his sister, GM Vaishali Rameshbabu, for her remarkable victory in the FIDE Women's Candidates. He shared his joy in witnessing the fruits of her dedicated efforts.
Vaishali made history as she became the first Indian to secure the FIDE Women’s Candidates title by defeating Russia’s Kateryna Lagno in the final round on Wednesday.
Praggnanandhaa, who was present along with their mother to cheer for Vaishali during the finals, posted a video celebrating their family's triumph and wrote a congratulatory note for his sister.
"Congratulations to Vaishali akka! I am so proud of what you have accomplished! It’s truly inspiring to see how you navigated the critical moments throughout the tournament! I’m delighted to see your hard work pay off!" he posted on X.
Following her success, Vaishali will now face Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship after clinching the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates with an impressive score of 8.5/14.
In a thrilling final round, Vaishali showcased her exceptional skills by defeating Kateryna Lagno, while Bibisara Assaubayeva could only manage a draw against Divya Deshmukh.
During the post-match press conference, Vaishali shared her excitement: “This feels amazing, a dream realized for me. After my loss to Zhu Jiner, everything changed, and I’m grateful I could maintain my focus in the final two rounds and deliver my best performance.”
In 2024, Gukesh D emerged victorious in the Candidates Tournament to become the youngest challenger for the World Chess Championship, marking another milestone as the first Indian to win the Candidates.
On the other hand, Praggnanandhaa also competed in the men’s category but faced a setback against Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan in round 10, following a critical mistake that cost him the match.
Sindarov went on to win the men’s candidates and will now challenge Gukesh D, who became the 18th World Chess Champion after defeating China’s Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championship held in Singapore.
Point of View
The triumph of Vaishali Rameshbabu at the FIDE Women's Candidates is a monumental achievement for Indian chess. It not only highlights her skill and dedication but also sets a precedent for future generations of chess players in India. Praggnanandhaa's support underscores the importance of family in fostering talent and resilience in competitive sports.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vaishali Rameshbabu?
Vaishali Rameshbabu is a Grandmaster from India who recently won the FIDE Women's Candidates, making her the first Indian to achieve this title.
What is the significance of the FIDE Women's Candidates?
The FIDE Women's Candidates is a prestigious chess tournament that determines the challenger for the Women’s World Championship.
How did Vaishali secure her victory?
Vaishali secured her victory by scoring **8.5/14**, culminating in a crucial win against Russia’s **Kateryna Lagno**.
What are the future challenges for Vaishali?
Vaishali will face **Ju Wenjun** in the upcoming Women’s World Championship, marking another significant challenge in her chess career.
What was Praggnanandhaa's experience in the Candidates Tournament?
Praggnanandhaa participated in the men's category but faced a loss against **Javokhir Sindarov** in round 10.
