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 celebration for Indian chess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa for his groundbreaking victory at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament. The young prodigy made history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the prestigious title, a remarkable achievement that has garnered national pride.
Modi took to social media platform X to express his admiration, stating, “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.” His words reflect the excitement surrounding Praggnanandhaa’s ascent in the world of chess, a sport that has seen a resurgence in India in recent years.
The 20-year-old Grandmaster’s journey to victory was nothing short of spectacular. After a strong late surge in Oslo, Praggnanandhaa secured his title with a decisive final-round win against Germany’s Vincent Keymer. This victory capped off an impressive comeback, where he had previously defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen not once, but twice, and secured four consecutive wins against top-tier opponents, including reigning champion D Gukesh and Alireza Firouzja.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay also joined in the celebrations, calling the triumph a proud moment for both Tamil Nadu and India. He praised Praggnanandhaa’s brilliant performance, emphasizing the significance of his historic win. “My heartfelt congratulations to Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, who created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess 2026 title in Oslo,” Vijay wrote on X. “He has brought great pride to both Tamil Nadu and India, and I wish him continued success in achieving many more milestones in the future.”
The Norway Chess tournament featured a world-class lineup, making Praggnanandhaa’s victory even more impressive. Competing against elite players, including World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and other chess luminaries, he demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience. Entering the final round half a point behind Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa knew a win was essential to claim the title. With strategic brilliance, he capitalized on his opportunity against Keymer, ultimately securing first place in the standings with a total of 18 points.
As the chess community and fans across the nation celebrate this historic achievement, Praggnanandhaa’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage. With the support of leaders and fans alike, the future looks bright for this young Grandmaster, who has already made a significant mark in the annals of chess history.