In a landmark achievement for Indian chess, Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa secured victory at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament, becoming the first Indian to claim the prestigious title. Celebrations ensued among political and sporting circles as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, and Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended their heartfelt congratulations.
Praggnanandhaa, aged 20, delivered an impressive performance culminating in a final-round win against Germany’s Vincent Keymer. This triumph underscored his resilience and exceptional skill, as underscored by Priyanka Gandhi’s commendation of his determination and calm under pressure.
Kharge praised the young grandmaster’s remarkable talent and wished him continued success, while Jaiswal reflected on the victory as a testament to India’s rich chess heritage. The tournament, which included world-class competitors like Magnus Carlsen and India’s reigning world champion D Gukesh, solidified Praggnanandhaa’s status as a formidable force in international chess.
(With inputs from agencies.)