Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay Celebrates World Chess Day, Highlights State’s Legacy of Grandmasters
Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay Celebrates World Chess Day, Champions State’s Legacy of Grandmasters
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay marked World Chess Day on Monday by celebrating the state’s illustrious history in the game, emphasizing its role as a breeding ground for chess prodigies like Viswanathan Anand, Dommaraju Gukesh, and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. In a heartfelt message shared on social media platform X, CM Vijay reaffirmed his government’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of chess champions.
CM Hails State’s Contribution to Chess
In his post, CM Vijay expressed pride in Tamil Nadu’s significant contributions to Indian chess, noting that the state has produced the highest number of young Grandmasters in the country. “On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all chess enthusiasts, players, and coaches. Tamil Nadu has been creating history by producing the highest number of young Grandmasters in India alone,” he stated. He highlighted the achievements of Anand, India’s first Grandmaster, and the recent successes of young talents like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, who have been winning international tournaments and bringing honor to the state.
The Chief Minister encouraged the youth to embrace chess as a means of representing Tamil Nadu on the global stage. “As Tamil Nadu advances as the chess capital of the world, I urge the younger generation to master chess techniques, participate in international tournaments, and bring glory to our state and country. Our government will stand by and provide all possible support for such endeavors,” he added.
Chennai: The Chess Capital of India
Chennai, often referred to as the Chess Capital of India, has produced nearly one-third of the country’s emerging chess talents. The city’s vibrant chess ecosystem, which includes schools, academies, and clubs, has flourished since the rise of Viswanathan Anand and continues to nurture world-class players. Recent achievements by reigning world champion Gukesh, Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali Rameshbabu underscore Tamil Nadu’s dominance in the sport.
Praggnanandhaa Felicitated for Norway Chess Win
Last month, CM Vijay honored Praggnanandhaa at the Chief Secretariat in Chennai after the young Grandmaster made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister presented Praggnanandhaa with a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh on behalf of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and even played a friendly game of chess with him.
Praggnanandhaa clinched the Norway Chess 2026 crown after defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round. His remarkable journey included victories over chess giants such as World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and fellow Grandmaster Gukesh, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination.
World Chess Day, celebrated globally on July 20, commemorates the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924. The day was first introduced by FIDE in 1966 and was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019.
As Tamil Nadu continues to shine on the chess map, CM Vijay’s commitment to fostering the sport promises a bright future for aspiring chess champions in the state.