'We are proud': PM Narendra Modi leads applause for Praggnanandhaa after his runner-up finish in FIDE World Cup
(Courtesy : Kerala Blasters Twitter)
The Prime Minister was also joined by other famous personalities who praised the chess prodigy.
India’s chess sensation R.Praggnanandhaa finished second after losing to six-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen at the FIDE World Cup 2023 on Thursday (August 24th). The 18-year-old had a great run in the tournament beating World Number 2 and 3 en route to the final. The final turned out to be a three-day affair with the opening two games ending in a draw.
On the final day, Norway’s Carlsen clinched the first tie-breaker 1.5-0.5 after the classical matches ended in a tie. The following round of the tie-break concluded in a draw and in the end, it was the five-time Chess World Championships winner who came out all guns blazing towards the end. Praggnanandhaa by the virtue of reaching the final is also qualified to take part in the Candidates Tournament scheduled for next year.
Several famous personalities heaped praises on the teenager, who put up a tremendous show throughout the tournament.
Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand congratulated the youngster for qualifying to the Candidates tournament.
Indian Cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin tweeted, “Pragg you made us proud as usual“.
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was full of praises for young Praggnanandhaa. Sachin said, “Congratulations on an incredible tournament. Keep chasing your dreams and making India proud.”
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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is currently attending a BRICS event tweeted, “We are proud of Praggnanandhaa for his remarkable performance at the FIDE World Cup!”
Food Delivery company Zomato put out a widely spread photo frame of Praggs and his mother, “Its ok Praggnanandhaa, you still made the whole nation feel like this.”
Union Minster for Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur came up with a long tweet. In his tweet Thakur mentioned, “Your strategic prowess shone brightly amongst the world’s finest, as you admirably outwitted your opponents in a thrilling display of wits amid nerve-wrecking games and tie-breakers.“
Business Tycoon Anand Mahindra tweeted, “You aren’t the runner-up Pragg. This is simply your ‘run-up’ to gold and to greatness. Many battles require you to learn and live to fight another day.”
2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans quipped, “You’ve brought immense pride to the entire nation at the FIDE World Cup 2023.“
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