“You aren’t the ‘runner-up’...this is simply your ‘run-up’ to Gold and to greatness.” This is what Mahindra Group chairperson Anand Mahindra wrote on his Twitter handle after Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa finished second best in the FIDE World Cup final on Thursday.

How often do first impressions shape our perceptions? As the age-old saying suggests, appearances can often be deceiving. R Praggnanandhaa, 18-year-old, took the chess world by storm after becoming the second India after Viswanathan Anand to reach the World Chess Final. Praggnanandhaa, a true embodiment of humility, remained unaware of the magnitude of his tournament achievement. However, during his post-game interview, he spoke candidly, indicating that his remarkable journey might inspire others to embrace the sport more seriously.