Pragg qualifies for 2026 Candidates, expects "extremely strong" challenge

• R Praggnanandhaa qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, his second consecutive qualification.
• He is currently the only Indian to secure a spot in the 2026 Candidates.
• Praggnanandhaa clinched his qualification by winning the FIDE Circuit 2025, boosted by his performance at the London Chess Classic.
• He expects the 2026 Candidates to be an "extremely strong" and challenging tournament.
• He previously competed in the 2024 Candidates, finishing fifth.

Why It Matters: Praggnanandhaa's qualification keeps an all-Indian Chess World Championship dream alive.