Hikaru Nakamura Looks Forward to Meeting Samay Raina Amidst Ongoing Controversy
Hikaru Nakamura, the World No. 3 chess player, recently revealed his plans to visit India later this year for the prestigious FIDE World Cup. In an interview with ChessBase India, Nakamura expressed his excitement to meet Indian comedian Samay Raina, who is known for his contributions to both the chess community and the comedy scene. However, Nakamura’s comment came at a time when Raina is facing controversy, though he was unaware of the situation at the time.
Nakamura’s Comments on Samay Raina
During his interview, Nakamura shared his admiration for Samay Raina, stating that it would be “fun” to meet him in person. Nakamura noted that he had never met Raina before, despite being aware of his work in comedy, especially his role in promoting chess during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I know he’s in the US and he’s done some stand-up shows in the USA and UK,” Nakamura said, referring to Raina’s performances. “It would be a lot of fun to finally meet him. It’s wild to see — obviously, I don’t follow Indian culture super closely — but at the start of the pandemic, he was kind of a comedian, and now he’s like a big superstar! Everywhere! It’s definitely amazing to see what he’s done with comedy and chess.”
Nakamura’s praise for Raina’s rise in popularity was evident, as he acknowledged how Raina had transformed from a comedian to a major figure in the Indian entertainment industry, particularly with his promotion of chess to a wider audience.
Samay Raina’s Recent Controversy
While Nakamura’s comments were all in good spirits, they were made amid a growing controversy surrounding Samay Raina. The comedian is currently under scrutiny after a guest on his show, India’s Got Latent, made an inappropriate comment during an episode. The remark, which was both incestuous and abusive in nature, has caused a public backlash.
As a result, episodes of India’s Got Latent have been removed, and legal actions have been initiated, with at least two FIRs filed against Raina and his guests, including Ranveer Allahbadia, who made the controversial statement. Despite this, Nakamura was seemingly unaware of the situation and went on to praise Raina’s contributions to both comedy and chess.
Nakamura’s Upcoming Visit to India for the FIDE World Cup
Nakamura’s visit to India will coincide with the highly anticipated FIDE World Cup later this year. The chess tournament is set to bring together top players from around the world, and Nakamura, known for his dynamic style and competitive edge, will be one of the prominent figures in the event.
While in India, Nakamura looks forward to meeting Samay Raina, whose efforts to make chess more accessible and entertaining through his online shows have garnered widespread recognition. Despite the current controversy, it’s clear that Raina’s influence on both the comedy and chess communities remains strong.
D Gukesh’s Performance at the Weissenhaus Grand Slam
The Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, a recent event, saw some thrilling chess action. Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh was among the players in the competition but unfortunately had a winless run, finishing in eighth place. Nevertheless, Nakamura’s upcoming visit to India for the FIDE World Cup is a highlight for chess fans, as he is expected to bring his signature style to the tournament.
Conclusion: Unknowingly Entering the Spotlight
Hikaru Nakamura’s excitement about meeting Samay Raina reflects the growth of Raina’s influence in both comedy and chess. Despite the current controversy surrounding Raina, Nakamura’s positive comments emphasize the comedian’s contributions to the chess world, especially during the pandemic. Whether the two will meet in person at the FIDE World Cup remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Raina’s journey from comedian to chess ambassador continues to capture the attention of chess enthusiasts around the globe.
