India has become a major power in international chess led by its highest-ranked player, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. He's No. 4 in the world, one place above compatriots Gukesh Dommaraju , the current world champion, and Arjun Erigaisi, who are tied for fifth.

Praggnanandhaa, who will celebrate his 20th birthday on Sunday, has an ambition to be the best. Beating the current No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in 2022, when Praggnanandhaa was congratulated by India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar , was an early sign that his ambition is realistic.

“I can become world No. 1 and world champion,” he told The Associated Press.

He said the presence of his Indian compatriots near the top of the rankings helps.

“We all push each other. Gukesh winning the world championship inspired me to push myself. We

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