Gukesh And Praggnanandhaa: Navigating The Risk Of Burnout In Chess

Why Burnout Matters for Young Chess Stars

Gukesh, 15, and Praggnanandhaa, 16, are two of the brightest names in Indian chess. Their rapid rise—from national youth championships to the world stage—has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet the same intensity that fuels their success can also take a toll. When a player competes in a dense calendar of tournaments, trains for hours each day, and faces relentless scrutiny from fans, sponsors, and media, the risk of burnout becomes real.

The Chess Circuit: A Relentless Calendar

In the past few years, both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa have participated in a mix of international opens, rapid events, and elite classical tournaments. Each event often requires weeks of travel, acclimating to new time zones, and adjusting to local climates. Between tournaments, players usually follow a rigorous training schedule that can easily exceed 20 hours a week. This includes theory study, end‑game practice, analysis of past games, and physical conditioning.

For young grandmasters, the pressure is amplified. Their parents, coaches, and the Indian Chess Federation expect them to maintain top form. The media coverage can be intense, especially during high‑profile events like the World Junior Championship or the Chess Olympiad. The combination of high expectations and a demanding timetable creates an environment where fatigue can sneak in unnoticed.

Spotting the Early Signs of Burnout

Burnout does not appear overnight. Instead, it develops gradually, often through subtle changes in mood and performance. Common indicators include:

• Persistent fatigue that does not improve with a normal sleep schedule.
• Difficulty concentrating during long games or training sessions.
• Increased irritability or mood swings after a loss or a tough practice.
• Loss of enthusiasm for chess activities that were once enjoyable.
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, back pain, or frequent colds.

Both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa have, at times, expressed feeling drained after a string of tournaments. In interviews, Praggnanandhaa mentioned the mental strain of staying focused over several days, while Gukesh highlighted the challenge of balancing school commitments with a full chess schedule.

Real‑World Moments that Highlight Pressure

“After the World Junior Championship, I felt exhausted, not just physically but mentally. It was hard to find the same spark I had before,” Gukesh said during a post‑tournament interview in Mumbai.

Praggnanandhaa’s 2020 rapid event in Singapore was a turning point. The young grandmaster won the tournament, but the days that followed were marked by a noticeable dip in his training intensity. He admitted that the sudden surge of media attention and the expectation to perform consistently added to his stress load.

Building a Supportive Framework

Indian players often benefit from a tightly knit support network. Coaches monitor not only technical progress but also psychological well‑being. The Indian Chess Federation has begun to provide access to sports psychologists for its top juniors, a step that helps players articulate their concerns and develop coping strategies.

Family involvement remains a cornerstone. Gukesh’s mother has spoken publicly about how she encourages him to take breaks and engage in non‑chess activities, such as reading or spending time with friends. Praggnanandhaa’s parents have highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, ensuring that his daily routine includes time for rest, meals, and social interaction.

Balancing Training with Recovery

High‑performance athletes, including chess players, need a structured approach to recovery. A practical strategy involves alternating intensive study sessions with lighter, more recreational activities. For example:

• Allocate two days a week for light training—focused on puzzles or end‑game drills that are enjoyable rather than exhaustive.
• Schedule at least one full day off from chess each month to recharge mentally and physically.
• Incorporate regular physical exercise, such as yoga or walking, which improves circulation and reduces stress.
• Maintain a healthy sleep routine—aim for 7–8 hours per night, especially before tournaments.

Both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa have experimented with these techniques. Gukesh reports that a short walk after a long practice session helps clear his mind, while Praggnanandhaa finds that listening to music during downtime boosts his mood.

The Role of Indian Chess Community

India’s chess ecosystem has grown dramatically over the last decade. Sponsorship deals, televised tournaments, and online coaching platforms have increased visibility and financial support for young players. This support, however, also brings new expectations. Players must manage not only their own performance but also the interests of sponsors and fans.

To mitigate pressure, some clubs in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi have introduced mentorship programs where senior grandmasters share their experiences on handling stress. These interactions provide a realistic perspective on the ups and downs of a chess career.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Path

As Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa prepare for upcoming events—such as the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Commonwealth Chess Championship—their focus on long‑term health becomes even more critical. Both players have expressed a desire to maintain a balanced routine, even when the stakes are high.

Coaches are adopting a more nuanced approach, tailoring training loads to individual needs rather than applying a one‑size‑fits‑all regimen. This means monitoring not just the number of hours spent at the board but also how those hours feel to the player.

In the fast‑moving world of competitive chess, the line between peak performance and exhaustion can be thin. For Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, the journey ahead will test not only their tactical skill but also their resilience to the demands of the sport. By staying aware of early warning signs, leaning on a supportive network, and prioritizing recovery, they can keep the flame of their passion alive while avoiding the pitfalls of burnout.