Great honour: Chess hero R Praggnanandhaa meets with PM Narendra Modi

India’s chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, who was recently crowned runners-up at the FIDE World Cup, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence in New Delhi on Thursday.

After the meeting, 18-year-old Praggnanandhaa took to social media to write, “It was a great honour to meet Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi at his residence! Thank you sir for all the words of encouragement to me and my parents.”

In reply, PM Modi heaped press on the prodigy, writing, “Had very special visitors at 7, LKM today. Delighted to meet you, @rpragchess along with your family. You personify passion and perseverance. Your example shows how India’s youth can conquer any domain. Proud of you!”

Praggnanandhaa gets hero’s welcome on India return

R Praggnanandhaa got a hero’s welcome on his return to the country, with jubilant crowds greeting him in Chennai. “I am very happy over the reception,” Pragg said.

Praggnanandhaa etched his name in history after becoming the youngest ever finalist at the Chess World Cup, where he ultimately lost to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen.