Chennai: India chess wizard and FIDE World Cup runner-up R Praggnanandhaa was accorded a rousing reception at the Chennai Airport when he arrived on Wednesday from Baku, Azerbaijan, and later met Chief Minister M.K.Stalin at his residence where he was presented a Rs 30 lakh reward for his stupendous achievement.
Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was also presented, presented him a shawl and felicitated the young Grand Master, when the Chief Minister presented the Rs 30 lakh reward reflecting the State Government's commitment for nurturing youngtalents in sports.
Mr Stalin later tweeted "Delighted to meet the brilliant young mind, @rpragchess, on his triumphant return to #Chennai! #Praggnanandhaa's achievements bring glory to Tamil Nadu and the entire country."
Mr Stalin who also posted a video of the meeting at his residence, said "I had the honour of felicitating Praggnanandhaa with a memento and a reward of 30 lakh INR."
"This gesture reflects our commitment to nurturing young talents in sports", he added.
"Keep the momentum going, and emerge victorious in the upcoming challenges too, Prag!", the Chief Minister said.
Praggnanandhaa's parents and his coach RB Ramesh were also present during the meeting.
Earlier, the young Chess GM was accorded a rousing reception at the airport by state government officials, with students waving the National flag and holding banners hailing his achievement and welcoming him.
In an interaction with the media at the airport, Praggnanandhaa overawed by the rousing welcome, said he felt really great and it was good for Chess.
"It feels really great. I think it is good for Chess," he said.
"I am very happy to see so many people coming here and it is good for Chess", he added.
By finishing runner-up to eventual champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the 2023 FIDE World Cup, the Indian Chess prodigy has qualified for the FIDE Candidates tournament. (UNI)
