Praggnanandhaa Honored by Tamil Nadu CM on World Chess Day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay honored Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa on World Chess Day, July 20, 2026, celebrating the state's chess legacy and Praggnanandhaa's recent Norway Chess 2026 victory. Vijay presented Praggnanandhaa with a Rs 50 lakh reward for his historic win.

What happened?

On July 20, Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay extended greetings on World Chess Day, highlighting the state's dominance in chess. Vijay praised Praggnanandhaa's Norway Chess 2026 triumph, where he defeated Vincent Keymer in the final. The Chief Minister also played a friendly game with Praggnanandhaa during the felicitation ceremony.

Why it matters for Praggnanandhaa

Praggnanandhaa's Norway Chess 2026 victory marked a significant milestone, making him the first Indian to win the prestigious tournament. His success, along with other Tamil Nadu Grandmasters like Gukesh and Vaishali Rameshbabu, underscores the state's chess prowess. Vijay's recognition and reward further boost Praggnanandhaa's standing in the chess world.

What comes next?

Vijay encouraged young chess players in Tamil Nadu to follow in Praggnanandhaa's footsteps. The state government pledged continued support for chess development. With Chennai as India's Chess Capital, Praggnanandhaa's achievements inspire the next generation of Grandmasters.