Chief Minister Vijay Plays Chess with Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa During Chennai Visit Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa arrived at the Tamil Nadu government Secretariat in Chennai on Monday, June 8, 2026, for a scheduled meeting with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. During the encounter, Vijay surprised the chess prodigy by requesting officials to bring a chessboard and engaging in a game. Praggnanandhaa expressed surprise at the Chief Minister’s initiative, stating he had not anticipated the move. “I did not expect it. He asked officials to bring a board and started playing with me. I did not know he played chess,” the Grandmaster recalled. Despite winning the match, he acknowledged Vijay’s skill, noting the Chief Minister “played well” and mentioned that Vijay often plays with friends. The meeting also included a gesture of recognition for Praggnanandhaa’s recent achievements. Vijay presented the Grandmaster with a cheque for ₹50 lakh in appreciation for his victory at the Norway Chess tournament, which he had recently emerged champion in. The prize was awarded as a mark of respect for his success in the prestigious event. The encounter highlighted the unexpected personal connection between the Chief Minister and the young athlete, blending public recognition with a moment of informal camaraderie. The event underscored the growing visibility of Indian chess players on the global stage, with Praggnanandhaa’s triumph at the Norway tournament marking a significant milestone in his career. The meeting also drew attention to the state’s engagement with sports, as Vijay’s gesture reflected support for talent and excellence.#chennai #chief_minister_c_joseph_vijay #grandmaster_praggnanandhaa #tamil_nadu_government_secretariat #norway_chess_tournament
