Tamil Nadu CM Honors R. Praggnanandhaa for Historic Norway Chess Victory with ₹50 Lakh Award

Tamil Nadu CM Honors Chess Prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa After Historic Norway Chess Victory

NEW DELHI: In a grand ceremony on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay celebrated the remarkable achievements of chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa, who recently made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess tournament. The Chief Minister presented the 20-year-old Grandmaster with a cash award of ₹50 lakh and a commemorative memento, recognizing his extraordinary contribution to Indian chess.

The event, attended by senior government officials, sports authorities, and Praggnanandhaa’s proud parents, featured a friendly chess match between the Chief Minister and the young champion, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Praggnanandhaa’s journey to victory in Oslo was nothing short of spectacular. Despite a rocky start that saw him languishing at the bottom of the standings after six rounds, the young talent turned the tide with four consecutive wins, including two stunning victories over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and reigning World Champion D Gukesh. His impressive comeback marked the first four-game winning streak in the tournament since Carlsen achieved the same feat in 2021.

Praising Praggnanandhaa’s composure and brilliance on the international stage, Chief Minister Vijay expressed his admiration for the young star’s resilience. “Your journey is an inspiration to many. You have shown that with determination and hard work, one can overcome any challenge,” he said while handing over the award on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority.

As the tournament reached its climax, Praggnanandhaa found himself trailing leader Wesley So by half a point. In a decisive final round, he played with the white pieces against Vincent Keymer, seizing the opportunity to secure a vital victory that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard with a total of 18 points.

This historic win not only marks a significant milestone for Praggnanandhaa but also highlights the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage. His triumph serves as a testament to the potential of young athletes in the country, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts.

As the chess community and fans celebrate this monumental achievement, Praggnanandhaa’s story continues to unfold, promising even greater heights in the future.