In an inspiring show of support for chess prodigies, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, recently honored three remarkable players for their stellar performances on the international stage. D Gukesh, Aravindh Chithambaram, and R Praggnanandhaa have been making headlines for their achievements in international chess tournaments, particularly in Norway and Armenia.
On June 12, 2025, Stalin expressed his heartfelt congratulations to these young athletes. D. Gukesh, the reigning World Junior Champion and distinguished recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, earned third place in the highly competitive Norway Chess Tournament. It’s a significant achievement that further establishes his status as one of the best in the chess world.
Meanwhile, Aravindh Chithambaram shone even brighter by clinching first place in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, while Praggnanandhaa showcased his talent by securing second place in the same tournament. These accomplishments not only highlight their individual skills but also raise Tamil Nadu’s profile as a powerhouse in chess.
Chithambaram’s victory at the Stepan Avagyan event propelled him into the top 10 of the FIDE world rankings. This is a remarkable feat for the talented player, especially considering that he had previously won first place in the Masters section of the Chennai Grandmasters Tournament last year, also conducted by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.
Both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are beneficiaries of the Tamil Nadu Government’s Elite Scheme. This initiative, overseen by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, is designed to support outstanding sportspersons. Those who excel in international competitions receive an annual grant of Rs 30 lakh, which enables them to purchase advanced sports equipment, access world-class coaching abroad, and participate more frequently in international competitions.
With three of the four Indian chess players ranked in the world top 10 coming from Tamil Nadu, the state is undeniably making its mark on the global chess landscape. The successes of Gukesh, Chithambaram, and Praggnanandhaa are not just personal victories; they illustrate the effectiveness of the Tamil Nadu government’s initiatives to cultivate talent in sports.
This impressive rise in chess achievements speaks volumes about the culture of support and encouragement fostered by Tamil Nadu’s leadership. Udhayanidhi Stalin’s presence at the event, along with Atulya Misra, the IAS Additional Chief Secretary of the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, and J Meghanath Reddy, IAS Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, underscores the state’s commitment to nurturing talent.
The impressive feat of these young players not only enhances Tamil Nadu’s reputation but also inspires budding chess players everywhere to strive for excellence. As they continue to represent their state and nation on the international chessboard, we can expect further remarkable achievements from them.
So, what does this mean for the future of chess in Tamil Nadu? The state is rapidly becoming synonymous with chess greatness. With strategic support mechanisms in place and a pool of talented players, there is a bright future ahead, not only for these champions but also for the generations of chess enthusiasts and players that will follow in their footsteps.
In summary, Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recognition of these chess stars represents a significant step in highlighting the importance of sports in Tamil Nadu. Through continued investment in talent development, the state is poised to maintain its status as a global leader in chess, encouraging both current players and future aspirants to reach for the stars in the game.
As the world of chess evolves, Tamil Nadu is proving to be a formidable force, one step at a time.