Praggnanandhaa returns to rousing welcome at Chennai airport, meets CM Stalin
FIDE World Cup 2023 runner-up R. Praggnanandhaa, who had a dream run in the recently held world chess championship, reached Chennai to a rousing welcome at the airport on Wednesday.
Chennai: FIDE World Cup 2023 runner-up R. Praggnanandhaa, who had a dream run in the recently held world chess championship, reached Chennai to a rousing welcome at the airport on Wednesday.
His mother Nagalaskhmi also accompanied the Chess prodigy.
Several fans were present to receive the new Superstar of Chess and he was presented with a crown, a shawl, and a bouquet. Flowers were strewn on his path and were welcomed with traditional folk dances of Tamil Nadu, Karagattam and Oyilattam.
Fans lined up on both sides of his vehicle and Praggnanandhaa was handed over a Tricolour which he accepted and waved at the crowd.
Speaking to the mediapersons, the World Chess runner-up said, “I am very happy at the reception,” and added, “This is very good for Chess.”
He also said, “I am very happy to see many people coming here and it feels great.”
The world runner-up had a dream run in the FIDE championship until he lost to World Number 1 Magnus Carlsen from Norway. Praggnanandhaa had defeated the World Number 3, Fabiano Caruana of the US.
Meanwhile Indian chess prodigy and runner up of the recent World Chess Championship FIDE, R. Praggananda on Wednesday met the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his son and state Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin.
The parents of the chess wizard, Ramesh Babu and Nagalaskhmi and coach RB Ramesh were also present in the meeting.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister handed over a memento and a Cheque of Rs 30 lakhs to the chess prodigy who reached India on Wednesday from Azerbaijan where the World Chess Championship was held.
The young chess sensation was received at the official residence of the Chief Minister.
Praggananda, who defeated Hikaru Nakamura and Fabia Caruna, both world beaters before losing a closely contested fight with world number one Magnus Carlson, said that he was thrilled at the splendid reception at the Chennai International Airport and subsequent warm welcome at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Speaking to media persons on his arrival at Chennai, Praggnananda said, “I am very happy and thrilled to see people coming in large numbers and recognising chess. This tells us that chess is growing as a sport.”
He said that his main aim was to qualify for the candidates at the world cup and was happy at having achieved that.
