Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Honours R Praggnanandhaa with ₹50 Lakh Reward After Norway Chess 2026 Triumph

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay felicitated Indian chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa and awarded him a cash prize of ₹50 lakh on behalf of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu following his remarkable victory at the prestigious Norway Chess 2026 tournament.

During a meeting in Chennai, the Chief Minister congratulated the young Grandmaster for bringing laurels to India and Tamil Nadu on the global stage. Praggnanandhaa recently scripted history by clinching the Norway Chess 2026 title, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the international chess calendar.

The ₹50 lakh cash award recognizes Praggnanandhaa's exceptional achievement and his contribution to promoting chess excellence in India. The Grandmaster's victory has been widely celebrated across the country, with leaders, sports personalities, and fans praising his consistency and determination.

Praggnanandhaa has emerged as one of the brightest stars in world chess, inspiring a new generation of players through his performances against some of the world's highest-rated Grandmasters.

The Tamil Nadu government has consistently supported sporting talent in the state, and the latest recognition underscores its commitment to encouraging excellence in international sports.

மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு. ச.ஜோசப் விஜய் அவர்கள் இன்று (8.6.2026) தலைமைச் செயலகத்தில், நார்வே தலைநகர் ஆஸ்லோவில் நடைபெற்ற நார்வே செஸ் 2026 தொடரில் முதல் இந்தியராகப் பட்டத்தை வென்று, வரலாற்றுச் சாதனை படைத்த கிராண்ட்மாஸ்டர் ஆர். பிரக்ஞானந்தாவிற்கு உயரிய ஊக்கத் தொகையாக… pic.twitter.com/70mQS6flmc

— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) June 8, 2026

#Tamilnadu CM C. Joseph Vijay presents a cheque of Rs 50 lakh to Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa in Chennai for winning the #NorwayChessTitle.

The 20-year-old Chess Prodigy said that the Tamilnadu Government's gesture in appreciating sportsmanship was tremendous.

He expressed… pic.twitter.com/N6dXoD3Uql

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 8, 2026