CHENNAI: Young Indian chess sensation Praggnanandhaa had a significant meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, and the Sports Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, in Chennai. This encounter followed Praggnanandhaa's return to India after an impressive showing at the FIDE World Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he competed fiercely against the world's top three chess players.
Upon his arrival at Chennai Airport, Praggnanandhaa received a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Students outside the airport waved the Indian tricolor and proudly displayed banners celebrating his achievement as the World Cup Runner-Up. Later in the day, he had the honor of meeting Tamil Nadu's CM MK Stalin and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The meeting included Praggnanandhaa's coach Ramesh RB, his father Rameshbabu, and his mother Nagalakshmi.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa expressed his immense pride. He stated, "It feels really great. I think it is good for Chess," during interactions with reporters. Returning to Chennai, he added, "I am very happy to see so many people coming here, and it is good for Chess."
Praggnanandhaa's sister, Vaishali, was delighted by the overwhelming reception her brother received at the airport. She fondly recalled a similar display of support during Viswanathan Anand's World Championship victory a decade earlier. She marveled at the love and recognition Praggnanandhaa was receiving from the people.
In the gripping finale of the FIDE World Cup, Praggnanandhaa demonstrated remarkable skill against the world's number one player, Magnus Carlsen. Although Carlsen ultimately secured the title, Praggnanandhaa's performance was commendable. As the runner-up of the 2023 FIDE World Cup, he now looks forward to the FIDE Candidates tournament. Despite his best efforts in the Rapid Chess tie-breaker against Carlsen, including a victory in the first game, Praggnanandhaa narrowly missed the championship. Carlsen's experience played a pivotal role in the outcome. Earlier, the two players had drawn in two Classical Chess games.
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