Vaishali Rameshbabu - Winner's Interview | Women's Candidates 2026
The Triumph of Resilience: Vaishali Rameshbabu Reflects on Her Historic Candidates Victory
8/13/20262 min read
In an exclusive 20-minute post-tournament interview conducted by Lichess, newly crowned Women's World Championship Challenger Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu opened up about the emotional, psychological, and strategic journey behind her landmark victory at the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament. Speaking just 24 hours after securing her spot as the challenger, the Indian Grandmaster shared a candid look into the intense emotional roller coaster of competing at the highest level of world chess—from early tournament struggles to a stunning second-half surge that fulfilled a childhood dream.
The conversation covers the crucial turning points of Vaishali's Candidates campaign. After a shaky start that left her near the bottom of the standings early in the event, she recalibrated her mindset to focus strictly on game quality rather than leaderboards. She details the pivotal victories, including a tense, high-stakes final round game against Kateryna Lagno, as well as how she managed the immense pressure of maintaining a lead. Vaishali also highlights the emotional support system that sustained her throughout the grueling double round-robin, from her mother’s presence on-site and guidance from coach RB Ramesh to the unwavering encouragement of her brother, fellow Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, who became so invested in her games that he could barely focus on his own.
Beyond the specific games, the discussion explores the broader significance of her triumph. As the first Indian woman to reach the Women's World Championship match in fifteen years, Vaishali reflects on following in the footsteps of pioneers like Koneru Humpy while carving out her own legacy. She also pays tribute to the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), founded by legend Viswanathan Anand, acknowledging the foundational role the academy and its mentors played in supporting her through career lows and preparing her to join the absolute elite of global chess.
Subjectively, what shines through most in this interview is Vaishali’s quiet grace, humility, and extraordinary mental fortitude. Her victory was not achieved through smooth, uninterrupted dominance, but through the rare ability to absorb painful losses, reset under pressure, and bounce back stronger—a trait she rightly notes is one of the most underrated skills in competitive chess. The genuine bond between her and her brother Praggnanandhaa provides a deeply touching human layer to an otherwise intense sporting spectacle. For chess fans, the interview is a masterclass in resilience, offering an inspiring look at a champion who turned vulnerability into strength on her way to the ultimate stage in chess.
Source: Lichess YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnYQisixORM
