Delighted to meet the brilliant young mind, @rpragchess, on his triumphant return to #Chennai! 🏆 #Praggnanandhaa's achievements bring glory to...
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin felicitated chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa in Chennai, presenting a cash reward of 30 lakh rupees for his achievements.
M.K.Stalin@mkstalinOriginal post
Delighted to meet the brilliant young mind, @rpragchess, on his triumphant return to #Chennai! 🏆 #Praggnanandhaa's achievements bring glory to Tamil Nadu and the entire country. 🇮🇳🏅I had the honour of felicitating Praggnanandhaa with a memento and a reward of 30 lakh INR. This gesture reflects our commitment to nurturing young talents in sports.
Keep the momentum going, and emerge victorious in the upcoming challenges too, Prag!
@Udhaystalin @SportsTN_
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin felicitated grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa upon his triumphant return to Chennai following his historic performance as runner-up at the 2023 FIDE Chess World Cup in Baku. Commending the teenage prodigy for bringing international sporting glory to Tamil Nadu and India, Stalin presented him with an official ceremonial memento along with a high cash reward of 30 lakh rupees on behalf of the state government.
During the felicitation ceremony, attended by Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Sports Development Authority officials, the Chief Minister lauded Praggnanandhaa's exceptional tactical poise, resilience, and maturity against world-class grandmasters. Stalin highlighted that Tamil Nadu has established itself as the chess capital of India, nurtured by strategic state infrastructure, specialized coaching programs, and world-class tournaments including the 44th Chess Olympiad successfully hosted in Chennai.
Stalin encouraged Praggnanandhaa to sustain his phenomenal competitive momentum and emerge victorious in upcoming international challenges, including the Candidates Tournament. He reiterated that the Dravidian Model administration remains deeply committed to identifying, nurturing, and financially empowering young sporting talent across all disciplines to excel on the global stage.