Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the nation in congratulating young Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa on his second-place performance at the FIDE Chess World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Thursday, saying, “This is no small feat.” After the traditional games in the final finished in a draw, Praggnanandhaa’s spectacular run at the renowned tournament came to an end when he fell to world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the tie-break. Here’s how PM Narendra Modi congratulated the young player. Scroll down to read FIDE Chess World Cup: PM Modi Praises As Praggnanandhaa
FIDE Chess World Cup: PM Modi Praises Praggnanandhaa
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi stated on ‘X: “Praggnanandhaa’s outstanding performance at the FIDE World Cup makes us proud! He displayed his extraordinary abilities and fought valiantly against the fearsome Magnus Carlsen in the championship match. This is no easy task. I’m sending him my best wishes for his future tournaments.”
Praggnanandhaa also received praise for exemplifying the “highest level of excellence” from Droupadi Murmu, the president of India.
Droupadi Murmu Praises Praggnanandhaa
Droupadi Murmu said on social media, “By making it to the final and finishing as the runner-up in the FIDE World Cup Final, eighteen-year-old Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has captured the hearts of every Indian. When playing against one of the all-time greats of the game, he demonstrated the greatest degree of greatness. I send him my sincere congratulations for this outstanding performance. He has boosted national pride. His mother, Mrs. Nagalaxmi, the Velammal School, as well as all of his mentors and coaches, deserve special recognition for their contributions to his amazing path despite difficulties and setbacks. Future grandeur for Praggnanandhaa is what I wish for.”
The two traditional games between the Indians and Carlsen on Tuesday and Wednesday finished in draws, pushing the championship to a tie-break. In the first tie-break game on Thursday, Carlsen defeated his 18-year-old Indian opponent after a tough fight, prevailing in 45 moves. After that, the second 25-10 tie-break game was drawn after 22 moves.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, a former minister of sports, praised the young Indian for giving it all he had. He said, “Either you succeed or you learn. @rpragchess, you gave it your all and captured the hearts of over 140 crore Indians! All that counts is that.”
The Olympic silver medalist shooter from Athens added, “Congratulations to the World Champion Magnus Carlsen!”
The illustrious batsman Sachin Tendulkar also congratulated Praggnanandhaa on his accomplishments on social media. He said, “Congratulations, @rpragchess, on a fantastic tournament! Keep pursuing your goals and shining a light on India.”
Former chess player and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal wrote: “Hold your head high, Praggnanandhaa. The entire country is proud of you.”
Kolkata Knight Riders, an IPL team, expressed its best wishes for the 18-year-old Indian.
