Ananya Lohia , Chennai - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay honoured Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa with a cash reward of ₹50 lakh at the Chief Secretariat in Chennai following his historic victory at the Norway Chess 2026.

Speaking to ANI, Praggnanandhaa revealed that he was pleasantly surprised when the Chief Minister asked to play a game of chess with him during the felicitation ceremony. The 20-year-old said the two played for around 15 minutes, and he emerged victorious. Praggnanandhaa added that Vijay was highly supportive and encouraging throughout the interaction. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Office shared details of the honour on social media, highlighting Praggnanandhaa's achievement as the first Indian player to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. The Chennai-born Grandmaster secured the crown after defeating Vincent Keymer in the final round in Oslo.

Praggnanandhaa finished ahead of a world-class field that included World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, reigning world champion D. Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja and Wesley So, capping off one of the biggest achievements of his career.