On Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay honored Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa with a cash reward of ₹50 lakh for his remarkable victory at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament. This event, held at the Secretariat in Chennai, marked a significant milestone as Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win this prestigious tournament since its establishment in 2013. The Chief Minister's recognition was part of a ceremony organized by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), emphasizing the state's support for young athletes in various sports. A highlight of the event was a friendly chess match between CM Vijay and Praggnanandhaa, which concluded with the grandmaster achieving a checkmate after approximately 15 minutes of play. Praggnanandhaa reflected positively on the experience, noting the Chief Minister's encouragement and support. His victory at the Norway Chess tournament has further solidified India's reputation in international chess, showcasing the potential of the emerging generation of Indian chess players. The ceremony concluded with a formal presentation of the award and interactions with officials and family members.