Chennai
Indian chess prodigy R. Praggananda, the recent runner-up in the FIDE World Chess Championship, had a special meeting on Wednesday with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his son, the state’s Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin. Accompanying Praggananda were his parents, Ramesh Babu and Nagalaskhmi, along with his coach RB Ramesh, who joined the meeting with the Chief Minister and his son. During the meeting, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister presented a memento along with a check worth Rs 30 lakhs to the young chess prodigy. Praggananda had recently returned from Azerbaijan, where the World Chess Championship took place. The talented chess player, who achieved victories over notable opponents like Hikaru Nakamura and Fabia Caruna, only narrowly missed securing the championship title after a closely contested match against the world’s top-ranked player, Magnus Carlson. Praggananda expressed his delight at the warm reception he received at Chennai International Airport and the subsequent welcoming atmosphere at the Chief Minister’s residence. Addressing the media upon his arrival, he shared his happiness about the growing recognition and popularity of chess as a sport. He emphasized his primary goal of qualifying for the candidates’ event at the world cup, and he expressed satisfaction at having successfully achieved this milestone. The meeting with the Chief Minister highlights the state’s appreciation for Praggananda’s remarkable accomplishments in the world of chess.
