“This victory will stay with me forever” - Vaishali Rameshbabu opens up on India’s triumph at the Chess Olympiad, expresses adulation for her brother
Vaishali Rameshbabu wore a bright smile on her face as she absorbed all the love and accolades after a triumphant run at the Chess Olympiad 2024. Vaishali was an integral part of the Indian team that won a historic double-gold at the competition in Budapest.
Rameshbabu played some of the most sensational chess of her career to help the Indian women's team get to the podium. The 23-year-old is being lauded by one and all for displaying great maturity on the board.
Vaishali Rameshbabu was in a conversation with Sportskeeda on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony for the victorious Indian squad.
“I can't express how happy I feel receiving this love and attention. No matter what we achieve from here, this historic Olympiad win stay with me forever. We were very close to winning a gold in 2022 but had to settle for bronze. This time we changed the color and are proud of what we could achieve as a team," expressed Vaishali.
The Chennai-born grandmaster, Vaishali, further shared how the campaign unfolded for the Indian team. She opened up on how her team showed immense grit and determination to make a comeback after a demoralizing loss to Poland.
“When we left for Budapest as the Indian women's team, we were really determined to win gold. After winning 7 rounds on the trot, we lost the 8th to Poland. That defeat affected us quite a bit. But, the determination never succumbed. We bounced back as a team and played extremely well to win the last two must-win matches,” she added.
It was a special moment to share the podium with my brother: Vaishali Rameshbabu talks through winning gold along with brother R Praggnanandhaa
Vaishali Rameshbabu did not have to look too far for inspiration as she had her brother and rising chess star R Praggnanandhaa by her side. While Vaishali competed for the women's team, Praggnanandhaa represented the country in the open section.
The talented brother-sister duo have been playing chess together for years and have brought the country plenty of laurels. But, for them to do it together on the same stage was extra special. Vaishali shared how it felt standing on the podium with the gold in hand and her brother by her side.
"I am very lucky to have Pragg as my brother. He is a great support to have and has inspired me a lot. Watching him from close quarters is a privilige as there is a lot to learn from him. Standing on the same podium together, with the gold medal, was a special moment for us,” she concluded.
At such a young age, Vaishali Rameshbabu has already shown her mantle on the biggest of chess stages. She would now be hoping to maintain her performances going forward and accomplish even greater success.