Tamil Nadu government has given a reward of Rs 50 lakh to R Praggnananda, who returned to India after winning the title of Norway Chess 2026. State Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday (June 8) handed over the check of the prize money to Praggnananda and also gave him a memento.
After felicitating Praggnananda, Vijay also played a game of chess with the young grandmaster. Top government officials, sports authorities and Praggnananda’s parents were also present in this ceremony.
Pragyanananda had created history
20-year-old Praggnananda had created history by winning the Norway Chess title in Oslo on June 5. He became the first Indian to win this tournament. Praggnananda has described this victory as the biggest achievement of his career. He has said that defeating some of the world’s top players including Magnus Carlsen makes this title more memorable.
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Praggnananda had defeated world number-1 Carlsen twice in Norway Chess. He became the second Indian player to defeat Carlsen twice in the same tournament. Before him, in 2007, Vishwanathan Anand had defeated Carlsen in two consecutive matches in the Linares International Tournament.
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Pragyanananda did not make a good start
Praggnananda’s start in Norway Chess was nothing special but he gained momentum in the second half of the tournament and captured the title by winning four consecutive victories. Apart from defeating Carlsen twice, Praggnananda also defeated world champion D Gukesh. After this, he started the final round in third place with 15 points. Praggnananda defeated Germany’s Vincent Keimer in the final round to take his points tally to 18 and lift one of the most prestigious trophies of elite chess.
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