Chennai, 08 June (H.S.):Fresh from his historic victory at the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at the State Secretariat on Monday, where he was felicitated for one of the most significant achievements of his young but already illustrious career.

The Chief Minister congratulated the 19-year-old chess sensation for his outstanding performance on the international stage and praised him for bringing pride to both Tamil Nadu and India. Vijay described Praggnanandhaa’s achievement as a testament to hard work, discipline and perseverance, adding that his success would inspire countless young people to pursue excellence in sports and academics alike.

The meeting also featured a light-hearted moment when the Chief Minister and the chess grandmaster sat down for a brief game of chess at the Secretariat. The friendly exchange drew attention from officials and staff, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport and Tamil Nadu’s long-standing association with chess.

Praggnanandhaa recently scripted history by winning the Norway Chess tournament, regarded as one of the strongest events in the global chess calendar. The competition featured several of the world’s top-ranked players, including reigning and former world champions, making the triumph one of the most notable achievements by an Indian player in recent years.

His victory further cemented his status among the elite players of world chess. Having consistently challenged some of the biggest names in the sport, Praggnanandhaa has emerged as one of the leading figures of a new generation of Indian grandmasters making a significant impact on the global stage.

Congratulating the young champion, Vijay reiterated the State government’s commitment to promoting sports and supporting emerging talent. He said achievements such as Praggnanandhaa’s inspire aspiring athletes across the country and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.

Praggnanandhaa’s rise also reflects the remarkable growth of Indian chess over the past decade. Following the path paved by former world champion Viswanathan Anand, a new generation of Indian players has begun challenging the world’s best, with Praggnanandhaa standing at the forefront of this movement.

As he continues his rapid ascent in international chess, the teenager remains one of India’s brightest sporting stars and a symbol of the country’s growing influence in the game.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman