TN Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin honours Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa and Chithambaram for top performances at international chess events

ANI June 12, 2025 584 views

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin honored chess stars Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Chithambaram for their international achievements. Chithambaram’s win propelled him into the FIDE top 10 rankings. The players benefit from TN’s Elite Scheme, receiving Rs 30 lakh annually for training and equipment. Their success highlights Tamil Nadu’s growing dominance in global chess.

"The Deputy Chief Minister extended his congratulations to Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Chithambaram for their stellar performances in international chess." – TN Government Press Release
New Delhi, June 12: The Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, congratulated the Tamil Nadu chess players, world champion D Gukesh, Aravindh Chithambaram, and R Praggnanandhaa for securing top positions in the international chess tournaments held in Norway and Armenia.

Key Points

1

Gukesh secured third in Norway Chess

2

Chithambaram won Stepan Avagyan Memorial

3

Praggnanandhaa placed second in same event

4

TN Elite Scheme supports players with Rs 30 lakh grants

A press release from the state government said, "The Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, today (12.06.2025) extended his congratulations to: D. Gukesh, the reigning World Junior Champion and recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, for securing third place in the Norway Chess Tournament, Aravindh Chithambaram, for clinching first place in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, and Praggnanandhaa, for securing second place in the same tournament."

Chithambaram, by winning the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, has now entered the top 10 of the FIDE world rankings. It is noteworthy that he also won first place in the Masters section of the Chennai Grandmasters Tournament held last year in Chennai, conducted by SDAT (Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu).

Both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are beneficiaries of the Tamil Nadu Government's Elite Scheme for outstanding sportspersons, implemented through the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

Under this Elite Scheme, sportspersons who win medals in international competitions are provided with an annual grant of Rs 30 lakh to further enhance their skills. This financial support helps them acquire advanced sports equipment, train under world-class coaches abroad, and consistently participate in international competitions to showcase their talent.

With three of the four Indian players ranked in the world top 10 in chess hailing from Tamil Nadu--thanks to victories in tournaments like the Norway Chess and the Stepan Avagyan Memorial--this achievement highlights the significant impact of the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu's efforts in making the state a global leader in the field of sports.

This event was also attended by Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, and Mr. J Meghanath Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
So proud of our Tamil Nadu chess champions! 🎉 Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa and Chithambaram are making India shine on the global stage. The state's Elite Scheme is clearly producing results. More states should adopt such initiatives!
R
Rahul S.
These young grandmasters are an inspiration! But I wonder why we don't see similar support for chess players from other states? India has talent everywhere - we need nationwide programs.
M
Meena V.
Chess is becoming the new cricket in Tamil Nadu! 😊 So happy to see our state leading the way. My son has started learning chess after seeing Praggnanandhaa's success. These players are creating a whole new generation of chess lovers.
A
Arjun P.
The Rs 30 lakh grant is good, but is it enough? Top chess players need much more for international training and equipment. Hope the government increases the amount considering inflation and rising costs.
S
Shalini R.
Tamil Nadu's sports policy is exemplary! First Viswanathan Anand, now this new generation. The systematic approach to nurturing talent is showing results. Other states should learn from this model.
K
Karthik N.
While we celebrate these achievements, let's not forget the coaches and parents behind these players. Their sacrifices make these victories possible. The government should recognize them too!

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Tags:
Udhayanidhi Stalin Gukesh Praggnanandhaa Chithambaram Tamil Nadu chess Norway Chess Stepan Avagyan Memorial