Pranesh Munirethinam Faces Visa Hurdle Ahead of World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship

Indian chess player Pranesh Munirethinam’s participation in the upcoming FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Hong Kong has come under uncertainty after he was hit by a visa-related issue shortly before the tournament. Pranesh, who is part of a team featuring R Praggnanandhaa, is now awaiting urgent assistance to resolve his travel documentation problem in time. Renowned coach RB Ramesh made a public appeal for help, raising concern that the young player could miss the prestigious international event despite being selected to compete. The tournament is expected to feature 43 teams and more than 300 players, making it one of the biggest rapid and blitz team chess events of the year. The development has drawn attention from India’s chess community, especially because the country’s young players have been gaining strong global recognition in recent years. Fans and supporters are now hoping authorities can intervene quickly so Pranesh can travel to Hong Kong and represent his team without disruption.