In a candid revelation, one of India's youngest Grandmasters, Raunak Sadhwani, has shed light on the often-glamorized world of professional chess, exposing its significant financial and competitive challenges. The 20-year-old chess prodigy shared these insights during an exclusive conversation with TOI Sports reporter Jyotirmoy Halder.
The Financial Strain of Elite Chess
Raunak Sadhwani, who earned the Grandmaster title at a remarkably young age, highlighted a major obstacle facing many players: the prohibitive cost of continuous, high-level coaching. He confessed to struggling without a full-time coach, a resource crucial for staying at the top of the game, simply because the expenses are too high to bear consistently. This financial reality forces many talented players to navigate the intensely competitive circuit without optimal support.
Navigating Rating Challenges and Strategy Shift
The interview also touched upon Sadhwani's recent performance dip. He openly acknowledged losing rating points in recent times, a common yet stressful phase in any professional athlete's career. In response to these combined challenges, Sadhwani announced a strategic shift for the coming year. To regain momentum and face varied competition, he plans to participate in more open-category tournaments in 2026. This move is seen as a way to gain experience and potentially more accessible opportunities.
The Broader Picture for Indian Chess
Sadhwani's revelations bring to the forefront the unseen struggles behind the intellectual sport. While India celebrates its chess champions, the journey is fraught with personal investment, financial pressure, and the constant battle to maintain world-class form. His decision to adapt his tournament schedule reflects a pragmatic approach to building a sustainable career in professional chess.
The story of Raunak Sadhwani is not just about one player's challenges but underscores a wider narrative about the support systems needed for sporting excellence. As he prepares for a pivotal year, the chess community will be watching his journey closely.
