India’s young grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa on Friday called for robust financial backing for chess, debunking the myth that players require minimal monetary support to train and excel in the sport.

Praggu, as he is known in the chess fraternity, recently competed in the Candidates tournament in Toronto for the first time and is currently participating in the Rapid and Blitz Poland, a part of the Grand Chess Tour.

“Chess is an expensive sport due to all the travel and paraphernalia. That’s why I am grateful for the support (from Adani Group). The training camps cost a lot,” said the 18-year-old.

He highlighted the need for corporates to come forward to support chess.

“It was difficult to participate in international tournaments because those were expensive and because my sister was also playing. This is why corporate sponsors are essential,” Praggu said. Praggu's elder sister Vaishali, also a GM, finished joint runner-up in the Women’s Candidates.