Gukesh ‘always amazed by Vaishali's character’ as he speaks about two Indians fighting for World Chess Championships

Chess world champion D Gukesh has heaped high praise on fellow Chennai resident R Vaishali, who recently became the first Indian to win the Fide Women's Candidates. Vaishali, the elder sister of Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, won the Women's Candidates 2026 on the final day of the competition in Cyprus earlier this month.

Vaishali beat a stiff challenge from players like Zhu Jiner and Bibisara Assaubayeva to create history and set up a Women's World Chess Championship match against Ju Wenjun later this year.

Gukesh: 'Always amazed by Vaishali's character'

Gukesh, who won the Open Candidates in 2024 and later went on to become the youngest world chess champion at 18, hailed Vaishali for her gritty attitude in chess tournaments and expressed excitement that both open and women's World Chess Championship matches would have an Indian Grandmaster.

More from Chess

"I was following her match and I screamed when she won," Gukesh was quoted as saying by ChessBase India. "I am always amazed by the character she (Vaishali) shows during tournaments. I remember how difficult it must have been in the Candidates 2024 and the way you came back was amazing. And I am really glad that we both can fight for the World Championships."

In reply, Vaishali hoped they would both win their respective matches and celebrate again together.

Vaishali had a poor 2025 but qualified for the Candidates by winning the Fide Grand Swiss towards the end of last year, and showed a similar tendency to launch a comeback as she won the Candidates despite trailing at the beginning of the tournament.

No Indian has ever won the Women's Chess World Championship match.

Meanwhile, Gukesh will also be defending his world chess title against Uzbekistan star Javokhir Sindarov, who won the open section Candidates without suffering a single loss.

Gukesh recently scaled down his 2026 calendar ahead of the world title clash as he has been suffering from poor form. The 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster has not won a major tournament since winning the world championship.

But he would hope the much-needed break will empower him with the necessary rest and focus to defend his world crown.