Chennai: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chennai's pride and chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa for winning the silver medal in the 2023 FIDE World Cup.
President Murmu wrote on X, "Eighteen-year-old Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has won the heart of every Indian by reaching the final and becoming the runner-up in FIDE’s World Cup Final. He displayed highest level of excellence while facing one of the all-times greats of the game. I convey my heartiest congratulations to him for this phenomenal performance. He has made the nation proud. His mother Mrs. Nagalaxmi, the Velammal School and all his mentors and coaches deserve special mention for contributing to his exceptional journey amid challenges and hardships. I wish Praggnanandhaa greater glory in the future."
PM Modi posted: "We are proud of Praggnanandhaa for his remarkable performance at the FIDE World Cup! He showcased his exceptional skills and gave a tough fight to the formidable Magnus Carlsen in the finals. This is no small feat. Wishing him the very best for his upcoming tournaments."
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N.Ravi and Chief Minister M.K.Stalin also lauded the youngest Chess star and said his feat resonated the dreams of 140 crore people of India and made the country proud.
Mr Ravi said the youngest Chess star, to win the Silver in the World Cup after having becoming the first Indian to have qualified for the first after a gap of more than two decades, was a reflection of a resurgent confident India.
He said the 16-year-old's entry to the FIDE Candidates Tournament are milestones that will inspire generations to come.
In a tweet, Mr Ravi said "with your stunningly brilliant performances, you have won the hearts of every Indian and made the country proud."
"You are reflection of a resurgent confident India. The country loves you immensely.- Governor Ravi", it said.
Mr Stalin in a tweet, "Heartfelt congratulations to Chennai’s pride, Praggnanandhaa, on your outstanding performance in the 2023 FIDE World Cup!".
"Your journey to the final, defeating world #2 Nakamura and #3Caruana, has left us all awestruck. Despite the final result, your achievement resonates with 140 crore dreams. The entire country is proud of you, Praggnanandhaa!", he added.
"Your silver medal and entry to the FIDE Candidates Tournament are milestones that will inspire generations to come", Mr Stalin added.
PMK President and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anbumani also congratulated the chess star for his astounding achievement.
Praggnanandhaa, after drawing the first two games in the final, playing white and black, went down fighting to World Number Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the tie-breaker on Thursday that helped him to finish with Silver medal. (UNI)
