For Arjun Erigaisi, one of India’s brightest chess stars, ambition has never been in short supply. Yet, even after narrowly missing out on qualification for the Candidates Tournament, the 20-year-old Grandmaster speaks with a maturity that goes beyond ratings, rankings, and qualification cycles.
“Of course it hurts,” Arjun admits, reflecting on the missed opportunity. “When you are so close, you feel the disappointment more sharply. But chess is a long journey. Not making it to the Candidates is not the end of the world.”
Perspective over pressure
Arjun’s rise over the past year has been rapid, marked by consistent performances against elite opponents. Still, he believes that focusing too much on a single milestone can be counterproductive.
“The Candidates is important, but it’s not the only measure of progress,” he says. “If you’re improving as a player and making better decisions over the board, the results will eventually follow.”
Learning from setbacks
Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, Arjun prefers to break down his games and identify areas of growth. He points to time management and handling high-pressure moments as aspects he wants to refine.
“Small decisions matter at this level,” he explains. “One inaccurate move can change the outcome, so the focus now is on consistency.”
The Indian chess wave
As part of a generation that has put India firmly on the global chess map, Arjun feels inspired rather than burdened by expectations.
“We push each other,” he says of his peers. “When someone does well, it motivates the rest of us to raise our level.”
Looking ahead
With multiple elite tournaments on the horizon, Arjun is clear about his priorities: steady improvement, physical fitness, and mental balance.
“I want to enjoy the process,” he says. “If you stay disciplined and hungry, opportunities will come again.”
A long game
Arjun’s calm response to disappointment reflects a player thinking in decades, not months. In a sport where careers are built over time, his outlook offers a reminder that setbacks are often just pauses — not endings.
“As long as I’m learning and competing at the highest level,” he says, “I know I’m moving in the right direction.”
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