New Delhi, 31 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian chess Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi on Wednesday for clinching the bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship in Doha, Qatar, capping a stellar double podium finish with his prior bronze in the FIDE World Rapid Championship at the same venue.

The 22-year-old from Warangal, Telangana—India's No. 2 ranked player with a peak Elo of 2783 and known for aggressive tactics—secured third place in the Blitz event on Tuesday after 13 grueling rounds of 3-minute-per-move speed chess, outpacing 400 global elites including Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.

No incidents marred the tournament, as Erigaisi's composure shone through tiebreaks and armageddon formats.Rapid-to-Blitz Double TriumphErigaisi, who turned pro at age 14 and holds titles across formats, first grabbed bronze in the Rapid Championship—featuring 15-minute games over 11 rounds—edging past 203 contenders before replicating success in Blitz's frenetic pace.

PM Modi's X post praised his skills, patience and passion, foreseeing inspiration for Indian youth amid the nation's chess surge with five Olympiad golds since 2020.The PM tagged Arjun Erigaisi, wishing continued triumphs for the prodigy coached by RB Ramesh.Global Stage and National PrideHosted by Qatar Chess Association from 26-30 December, the dual championships awarded $1 million prizes, with Erigaisi's feats elevating India's tally to 10 medals across FIDE events in 2025, sans controversies.

The Warangal native, mentored by Viswanathan Anand's legacy, credited mental resilience post-victory, fueling optimism for 2026 Candidates amid zero disruptions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar