Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Meets Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, Honours Chess Star with ₹50 Lakh Reward

Chennai, June 8: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay surprised Indian chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa by engaging him in a friendly game of chess during a meeting at the Secretariat on Monday.

Praggnanandhaa, one of India’s leading chess stars, had visited the Secretariat to meet the Chief Minister when Vijay unexpectedly requested officials to arrange a chessboard and began playing a game with him. The light-hearted interaction quickly became a talking point among chess enthusiasts and on social media.

Speaking after the meeting, Praggnanandhaa said he was pleasantly surprised by the Chief Minister’s interest in the game. According to the Grandmaster, Vijay played well and mentioned that he regularly enjoys playing chess with friends. Although Praggnanandhaa won the friendly encounter, he appreciated the Chief Minister’s enthusiasm for the sport.

The meeting also featured a special recognition ceremony, during which the Chief Minister presented a cheque of ₹50 lakh to the young chess champion in acknowledgement of his achievements and contribution to Indian chess.

Photographs and videos of the two engaged in the chess match quickly gained attention online, with many praising the unique interaction between the state’s top political leader and one of the country’s most celebrated sportspersons.

The gesture is being seen as part of Tamil Nadu’s continued support for sporting excellence, particularly in chess, a discipline in which the state has produced several internationally acclaimed players.

Praggnanandhaa has emerged as one of India’s brightest chess talents in recent years, earning global recognition through his performances in major international tournaments and further strengthening India’s growing presence on the world chess stage.