Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay Honors R Praggnanandhaa with ₹50 Lakh for Historic Norway Chess Victory
Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay Honors Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa with ₹50 Lakh for Historic Norway Chess Victory
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – In a momentous celebration of chess prowess, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay honored Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa on Monday, presenting him with a cash prize of ₹50 lakh for his groundbreaking achievement at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament. This accolade marks Praggnanandhaa as the first Indian to clinch the prestigious title, a feat that has resonated across the nation.
The felicitation ceremony took place at the Chief Secretariat in Chennai, where the Chief Minister engaged in a friendly game of chess with the 20-year-old prodigy. The event was a testament to the state’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and recognizing exceptional achievements.
In a post on X, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) shared, “Honourable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru. Joseph Vijay, today at the Chief Secretariat, presented a cheque for ₹50 lakh as a prestigious cash incentive to Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa, who became the first Indian to win the title in the Norway Chess 2026 series held in Oslo, thereby creating a historic milestone.”
Praggnanandhaa’s Historic Norway Chess Triumph
Praggnanandhaa etched his name in history on Friday, emerging victorious in the Norway Chess 2026 tournament after defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round. His journey to the title was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in four consecutive classical wins that showcased his exceptional skill and determination.
The Chennai-born Grandmaster outperformed a formidable lineup that included chess legends such as World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh, and rising stars like Alireza Firouzja and Wesley So. His victory over Carlsen was particularly noteworthy, marking a rare double win against the Norwegian icon during the tournament.
As the tournament progressed, Praggnanandhaa’s momentum surged, culminating in crucial victories against Firouzja, Carlsen, Gukesh, and Keymer. His remarkable performance not only secured him the title but also solidified his status as one of the brightest talents in the chess world.
American Grandmaster Wesley So finished second in the standings after a tense armageddon match against Firouzja, while Carlsen concluded the tournament on a high note, defeating Gukesh to secure fourth place.
Praggnanandhaa’s historic win has not only brought pride to Tamil Nadu but has also inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts across India. As the nation celebrates this remarkable achievement, the future looks bright for this young Grandmaster and the sport of chess in India.