India’s rise as a global chess powerhouse has produced many stars, but few stories are as remarkable as that of the Rameshbabu family from Chennai. The family is often described as India’s first family of chess after both siblings, R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali, achieved grandmaster status and reached the highest levels of international chess.
What makes the achievement extraordinary is that neither parent came from a chess background. Father Rameshbabu reportedly never followed chess closely, while mother Nagalakshmi was not familiar with the game’s intricacies. Yet they dedicated years to supporting their children’s dreams.
The family’s journey involved significant sacrifices. Nagalakshmi spent countless hours accompanying her children to coaching sessions, often relying on long public transport commutes to reduce expenses. Their commitment ensured that both children received the training and opportunities needed to compete at the highest level.
Vaishali became a grandmaster in 2023, while Praggnanandhaa had already earned the title in 2018. The siblings went on to create history as the world’s first brother-sister duo to become grandmasters and later the first brother-sister pair to qualify for the Candidates Tournament.
Today, the family’s story is seen as a symbol of perseverance, parental support and the growing strength of Indian chess. As India continues to produce world-class players, the Rameshbabu family’s journey remains one of the most inspiring success stories in the sport.
