Praggnanandhaa’s Checkmate Moment With TN CM Vijay

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay played a friendly game of chess with Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and presented a special incentive of Rs 50 lakh following the chess star’s historic triumph at Norway Chess 2026.

During the brief game, Praggnanandhaa checkmated the Chief Minister in a few moves. However, the Grandmaster later praised Vijay’s performance, saying the Chief Minister played well and that it was a memorable experience for him.

Visuals released by the Department of Information and Public Relations showed the Chief Minister and Praggnanandhaa sharing smiles while playing chess. CM Vijay also handed over a cheque for Rs 50 lakh to Praggnanandhaa, who created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess title.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chief Minister, Praggnanandhaa described the experience as an unexpected and happy moment.

“We played one game with the Chief Minister. We didn’t expect this. It was a surprise and a happy moment. The cash incentive is also inspiring. I was not aware that the Chief Minister used to play chess. They asked us to bring the chessboard, and we played a game on his table. He played well and told me he used to play chess with his friends. I won the game, but he played it well,” Praggnanandhaa said.