Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa in action at Zagreb Grand Chess Tour: Indian Sports LIVE, July 5

July 5, 2026 - 02:36

The Croatian capital of Zagreb is buzzing with chess action as two of India's brightest young talents, D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, step into the arena for the prestigious Grand Chess Tour event on July 5. Both players, who have rapidly climbed the global rankings, are expected to face a field packed with elite grandmasters in the rapid and blitz format tournament.

Gukesh, fresh off his historic Candidates victory, enters the tournament with immense confidence. His calculated style and endgame precision have made him a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa, known for his creative aggression and resilience in time scrambles, will look to build on his recent strong performances in top-tier events. The two Indians are not just representing their country but are also seen as the vanguard of a new generation challenging the established order in world chess.

The Zagreb event, a key stop on the Grand Chess Tour calendar, features a round-robin rapid segment followed by a double-round blitz section. With world number one Magnus Carlsen and other top contenders also in the lineup, every game carries significant rating points and prize money. Indian chess fans are eagerly watching, hoping for a strong showing from their prodigies. The action is expected to be intense, with the first rounds kicking off later today.