PM Modi Congratulates Praggnanandhaa on Historic Norway Chess Triumph: A Milestone for Indian Chess
New Delhi: PM Modi Congratulates Praggnanandhaa on Historic Norway Chess Triumph
In a momentous achievement for Indian chess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa on Saturday, following his historic victory at the prestigious Norway Chess 2026 tournament. Modi described the win as a remarkable milestone in the young Grandmaster’s burgeoning career, praising his continued excellence on the global stage.
“Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa for this remarkable feat! This is indeed an incredible milestone that highlights his continued excellence. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours,” Modi expressed in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Praggnanandhaa’s triumph marks a significant moment for Indian chess, as he becomes the first Indian to clinch the Norway Chess title. The 20-year-old Grandmaster showcased his exceptional skills with a stunning late surge in Oslo, culminating in a final-round victory over Germany’s Vincent Keymer.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay also celebrated Praggnanandhaa’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for both Tamil Nadu and India. He highlighted the young Grandmaster’s impressive performance, which included defeating reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen twice and securing four consecutive wins throughout the tournament.
“My heartfelt congratulations to Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, who created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess 2026 title in Oslo. His brilliant and intelligent performance has brought great pride to both Tamil Nadu and India,” Vijay remarked in his own post on X.
Praggnanandhaa’s journey to victory was nothing short of extraordinary. Entering the final round half a point behind Wesley So, he knew a win was essential to secure the title. Playing with the white pieces against Keymer, he seized the opportunity and delivered a crucial victory, earning a maximum of three points and finishing with a total of 18 points to top the standings.
The tournament featured a world-class field, including chess giants like Magnus Carlsen, reigning world champion D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, and Wesley So, making it one of the strongest events on the international chess calendar. Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable double over Carlsen and his impressive comeback run have solidified his status as one of the brightest talents in the chess world.
As the chess community celebrates this historic achievement, the future looks bright for Praggnanandhaa, who has not only made his country proud but has also inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts in India.