Vijay Honors Chess Prodigy Praggnanandhaa for Historic Victory at Norway Chess Tournament

Vijay Honors Chess Prodigy Praggnanandhaa in Chennai: A Meeting of Minds and Moves

Chennai, Tamil Nadu — In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay met with young chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa on Monday to celebrate the latter’s historic victory at the Norway Chess Tournament. Praggnanandhaa made headlines as the first Indian to clinch the prestigious title, and Vijay took the opportunity to honor him with a cash reward of ₹50 lakh on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government.

Vijay Plays Chess with Praggnanandhaa

The meeting, which has since gone viral on social media, featured an impromptu chess match between the Chief Minister and the Grandmaster. In a surprising turn of events, Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious, but not without acknowledging Vijay’s impressive understanding of the game.

“I didn’t expect it,” Praggnanandhaa remarked, reflecting on the unexpected match. “I haven’t heard from anyone that he plays chess. He asked me to bring the board, and we assembled the pieces on the spot. He played well,” he added, highlighting the Chief Minister’s unexpected skills.

Praising Vijay’s Chess Skills

During the friendly match, Praggnanandhaa inquired about Vijay’s chess-playing habits. The Chief Minister revealed that he often plays with friends, showcasing a passion for the game beyond his political duties. “I won, but I didn’t expect he would play that well,” Praggnanandhaa admitted, underscoring the mutual respect that blossomed during their encounter.

Accompanying Praggnanandhaa was his mother, Nagalakshmi, while Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna also attended the event, further emphasizing the significance of the occasion.

Fans Eagerly Await ‘Jana Nayagan’

While Vijay continues to make headlines in the political arena, fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming film, Jana Nayagan. The political action drama, originally slated for release on January 9, 2026, has faced delays due to certification disputes with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). As the wait continues, the excitement surrounding both Vijay’s cinematic endeavors and Praggnanandhaa’s chess achievements remains palpable.

As the meeting between Vijay and Praggnanandhaa illustrates, the intersection of sports and politics can create moments of inspiration and unity, reminding us of the power of talent and determination in any field.