Ajai Masand

Stories by Ajai Masand

Why Gukesh Is Favoured To Retain World Chess Title

Why Gukesh Is Favoured To Retain World Chess Title

Rediff.com   2 days ago

Anemone Kulczak, the chief arbiter at Norway Chess, believes reigning world champion D Gukesh remains the clear favourite to defend his crown later this year.

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa Revive India's Hopes At Norway Chess

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa Revive India's Hopes At Norway Chess

Rediff.com   2 days ago

D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa secured important wins in Round 7 of the Norway Chess tournament, while Divya Deshmukh defeated Koneru Humpy, boosting India's chances in the competition.

Indian Contingent Struggles At Norway Chess Tournament

Indian Contingent Struggles At Norway Chess Tournament

Rediff.com   3 days ago

The Indian contingent at the Norway Chess tournament faced a difficult day as all four players, including world champion D Gukesh, suffered defeats in Round 6. Magnus Carlsen gained momentum, while Wesley So took the lead.

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Rediff.com   4 days ago

Magnus Carlsen reflects on the challenges of ageing and memory as he struggles at the Norway Chess tournament, revealing his reliance on coffee and longing for a distraction with the Champions League final.

How Gukesh Reignited Norway Chess Campaign

How Gukesh Reignited Norway Chess Campaign

Rediff.com   4 days ago

D Gukesh defeated R Praggnanandhaa in a classical battle at the Norway Chess tournament, while Divya Deshmukh leads the women's section after a victory over China's Zhu Jiner.

Turning 20: Gukesh embraces the pressure of being World chess champion

Turning 20: Gukesh embraces the pressure of being World chess champion

Rediff.com   5 days ago

D Gukesh, the 20-year-old Indian Grandmaster, discusses the pressures and expectations of being a world chess champion as he prepares to defend his title.

Can Gukesh Bounce Back At Norway Chess?

Can Gukesh Bounce Back At Norway Chess?

Rediff.com   6 days ago

D Gukesh aims to rebound at Norway Chess after a challenging start, while R Praggnanandhaa enjoys a strong position. Gukesh's performance against Praggnanandhaa in round five will be crucial in determining his title contention.

Can Gukesh Bounce Back At Norway Chess?

Can Gukesh Bounce Back At Norway Chess?

Rediff.com   6 days ago

D Gukesh aims to recover at Norway Chess after a difficult start, while R Praggnanandhaa enjoys a strong position. Gukesh's performance against Praggnanandhaa in round five will be crucial for his title aspirations.

Magnus Carlsen Defeats Gukesh As Praggnanandhaa Stays Second

Magnus Carlsen Defeats Gukesh As Praggnanandhaa Stays Second

Rediff.com   6 days ago

Magnus Carlsen defeated D Gukesh at the Norway Chess tournament, while R Praggnanandhaa secured second place after beating Vincent Keymer. In the women's event, Divya Deshmukh lost to Anna Muzychuk, and Koneru Humpy continued to struggle.

How Norway Chess Is Reshaping The Elite Chess Experience

How Norway Chess Is Reshaping The Elite Chess Experience

Rediff.com   7 days ago

Norway Chess has consistently innovated to enhance the experience for players and fans, introducing features like the 'confession box' and the Armageddon tie-break to make elite chess more engaging and decisive.

Alireza Firouzja Leads As Gukesh Falters At Norway Chess

Alireza Firouzja Leads As Gukesh Falters At Norway Chess

Rediff.com   27 May 2026

Alireza Firouzja takes the lead at Norway Chess after a strong performance, while D Gukesh faces a setback. In the women's competition, Divya Deshmukh shines with a victory.

Why Magnus Carlsen Remains A Sporting Icon In Norway

Why Magnus Carlsen Remains A Sporting Icon In Norway

Rediff.com   24 May 2026

Magnus Carlsen's popularity remains undiminished in Norway, with many believing he is unbeatable on home turf, even as he hints at moving away from classical chess.

Gukesh Faces Elite Field At Norway Chess

Gukesh Faces Elite Field At Norway Chess

Rediff.com   24 May 2026

World champion D Gukesh is set to compete in the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, facing a strong field including Magnus Carlsen and R Praggnanandhaa. The event, held in Oslo, features top players in both Open and Women's sections, with India having four representatives.

Ismail Baig's Exit: What It Means For Indian Rowing

Ismail Baig's Exit: What It Means For Indian Rowing

Rediff.com   20 May 2026

Long-serving rowing coach Ismail Baig, a Dronacharya awardee, is no longer part of the national setup, a development he describes as 'shocking'. The Rowing Federation of India president Balaji Maradapa confirmed that Baig is not part of the coaching setup for the Asian Games.

Shocking! World No 6 Zoravar Sandhu Excluded From Asian Games Squad

Shocking! World No 6 Zoravar Sandhu Excluded From Asian Games Squad

Rediff.com   13 May 2026

Asia No. 1 trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu has been left out of the Indian shotgun contingent for the Asian Games, despite his World Championships bronze medal and top international scores.

Why Zoravar Sandhu Was Excluded From Asian Games

Why Zoravar Sandhu Was Excluded From Asian Games

Rediff.com   13 May 2026

Top trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu's exclusion from the Indian shotgun contingent for the Asian Games has sparked controversy, despite his international achievements. The NRAI defends its selection policy, while Sandhu urges a review.

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Rediff.com   12 Mar 2026

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi has been significantly affected by the conflict in West Asia and the month of Ramzan, leading to a sharp decline in international participation.