PM Modi Celebrates R Praggnanandhaa’s Historic Norway Chess Victory: A Milestone for Indian Chess
PM Modi Congratulates R Praggnanandhaa on Historic Norway Chess Victory
June 6, 2026, 14:26 IST
In a momentous achievement for Indian chess, 20-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to commend the young prodigy, calling his victory an “incredible milestone” that underscores his 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,” PM Modi expressed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Praggnanandhaa’s triumph in Stavanger was nothing short of spectacular. After a challenging start, he staged a stunning comeback, clinching four consecutive classical victories against some of the world’s top players. His final match against Germany’s Vincent Keymer was pivotal; Praggnanandhaa needed a win to secure the title, and he delivered, outplaying Keymer with remarkable skill.
Entering the final round, American Grandmaster Wesley So held a narrow half-point lead and seemed poised to take the title. However, after drawing his classical game against Alireza Firouzja and winning the Armageddon tie-break, So inadvertently opened the door for Praggnanandhaa, who seized the opportunity with both hands.
What makes this victory even more impressive is the caliber of competitors Praggnanandhaa faced. The tournament featured chess giants, including world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and reigning world champion D Gukesh. Over the course of the week, Praggnanandhaa secured victories against Firouzja, Carlsen, Gukesh, and Keymer, solidifying his status among the elite in the chess world.
As the chess community celebrates this historic win, Praggnanandhaa’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring players across India and beyond. With his remarkable talent and determination, the future looks bright for this young chess sensation.