Chess Star Praggnanandhaa Honored After Historic Norway Triumph

CHENNAI -Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on June 8 felicitated Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa for becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess tournament and presented him with a cash award of Rs 50 lakh.

The meeting also featured a friendly game of chess between the Chief Minister and the 20-year-old chess prodigy, who recently scripted history with his title-winning performance in Oslo.

Congratulating the young Grandmaster for bringing laurels to Tamil Nadu and India, Chief Minister Vijay presented the award on behalf of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and also handed over a commemorative memento.

Praggnanandhaa secured the Norway Chess title after a remarkable comeback campaign that included victories over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, reigning World Champion D. Gukesh, and German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer, becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious tournament. (IANS)