The transcript captures a post‑game press conference after Praggnanandhaa’s victory over Anish Giri at the 2026 Chess Olympiad. Interviewers (Speakers A‑D) discuss the Indian team’s overall momentum, noting that each round seems to improve and that every player now has at least one win. They probe the captain’s (Praggnanandhaa’s) nerves, the pressure of leading the team, and how this Olympiad differs from the previous one, especially after early challenges against Indonesia and Italy. Praggnanandhaa explains the unique strategic considerations in a team event – constantly monitoring other boards, deciding whether to accept draw offers, and balancing individual play with team needs. The conversation also highlights individual performances: Gukesh’s strong rating, Nihal’s form, and Pragg’s first win boosting confidence. The session ends with a promise of a larger interview on the final day and a quick photo request, underscoring optimism and camaraderie within the team.
Chapters
Can I get thoughts?
Dominating performance today.
Yeah, I think with each game we are playing better, and it's it's good. It's good that we are picking up momentum.
Tell us what were your nerves? How were you controlling your nerves with the Prague game? It was a roller coaster.
For me, during the game, I felt Prague was always the one who was better. It was actually a very interesting turn of events after Bishop H3. But on the other hand, Prague was the one pressing. from the beginning and had more time. So I thought on both the Prag's board and Gukesh's board, for large parts of the game, we were the ones who were completely better.
Gukesh, 4.5 out of 5. There have been many questions with you with the board lineup and all. Are you thinking— are you now syncing with the fact that whatever has happened is going in the right direction?
Uh, yeah, definitely. I think that was always clear from the beginning, and there's no change in that.
And like I said, I think it's really nice that We are gaining momentum and playing better with each game.
Now every player has got at least one win, so that's also something nice.
And Nihal is in great shape. Pragg also looks strong now. First win of the tournament, that is— that will give him a lot of confidence, right?
Yeah, definitely. Pragg was, I think, pressing in almost all the games and had a very good position, particularly yesterday, but he was not able to convert it. Slightly uncharacteristic for Pragg. So it's nice to get that first win out of the way.
Have you been feeling the pressure of being the captain this time, last time, or is it is it the same like last time, or this is this time it's a little more?
Probably not exactly the same as last time. Last time there were many situations where you know we are already completely winning by first two two and a half hours, so the result was never in question. This time we had some early challenges, especially in the second round against Indonesia. Already it was a very tough match. Indonesia is an incredibly strong and underrated team, by the way.
I think they beat Italy today.
Who we faced in 3rd round. So it was, uh, I think more early challenges this time. But, um, yeah, um, one way or another we have kept winning, and that's the belief we have within the team. You don't always win in the most smoothest fashion or the most convincing fashion, but in the end you win.
And how does it differ? Do you do anything differently in terms of play— playing in a team event? Like, of course chess is still very individual, but the points matter. Is there anything that's different for you?
I think you have to constantly have a look at other boards and, you know, decide based on it. Like, for example, I think at some point, uh, at some point Anish offered me a draw and I had to take a call if I had to, you know, if I had to make a draw or, you know, go for it. Um, I mean, I felt Gukesh was— Gukesh was pushing, but it was not really clear, uh, to me. Like, it could also be that White can manage a fortress. So I felt I— I mean, keeping the game going can make sense, and, you know, it worked out today. So all these, like, decisions You have to take based on your team's positions.
And final question: Do you think this win is giving you the momentum that you will need going into the rest?
Hopefully, we'll see.
Thank you, Saini.
Just like very short.
We'll do a big one on the last day.
Okay, sure.
You are promising this to everyone, right, bro?
This this is sign that yeah yeah yeah yeah we'll do on the last day.
The promise.
He'll do a big interview after the.
Hi, can we take a picture please?
I know.
Thank you so much. Can we take a pic? Uh, sure. Big one.
Uh, I gotta go. They only take one tomorrow. Okay, okay, bye.
