Praggnanandhaa R shared his thoughts about his Chessgurukul team at the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships 2026. Pragg says the team is like a family to him, and notes that coach Ramachandran Ramesh was unable to participate in the event.

Praggnanandhaa R

Praggnanandhaa R

Indian GM

“I think this whole team is like brothers and sisters to me. Because I’ve basically grown up with them.

I know every single one of them for like 12 or 13 years, more than half my life! We’re all close. And honestly, this team does not feel like a team. It’s more like a family. And I think we enjoy that.

We enjoy playing together as a team here. It’s unfortunate that Ramachandran Ramesh could not be here, he is a main part of the team. But still, we are all enjoying it, and hopefully things will go well in the tournament!”

The team is named after the Chess Gurukul academy, founded by coach Ramachandran Ramesh. The team consists of academy players, including Praggnanandhaa’s sister Vaishali Rameshbabu, Aravindh Chithambaram VR., Pranesh M, and others.

The 2026 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships takes place from June 17 to 21, in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Chessgurukul team holds 10th place after 8 rounds of the Rapid tournament.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE