In a surprising turn during her interim Budget speech in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a moment to acknowledge and praise the achievements of R Praggnanandhaa, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai. The Finance Minister commended Praggnanandhaa for his resilient performance against the World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the Chess World Cup final held last year.

As Sitharaman presented the interim Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, she highlighted India’s impressive growth in the world of chess, emphasizing that the country now boasts over 80 chess grandmasters, a stark increase from just over 20 in 2010. This statistic underscores the nation’s rising prominence in the chess community, signaling a significant surge in talent and interest in the sport over the past decade.

“The country received its highest-ever medal tally in the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games in 2023. Chess prodigy and our No. 1 ranked player Praggnanandhaa put up a stiff fight against world champion Magnus Carlsen in 2023. Today, India has over 80 chess grandmasters compared to little over 20 in 2010,” Sitharaman proudly declared during her address.

The mention of Praggnanandhaa in the Budget speech sheds light not only on his individual accomplishment but also on the broader recognition of chess as a growing and significant sport in India. The Finance Minister’s shoutout serves as a testament to the impact of achievements in chess on the national stage and their reflection in key governmental addresses.

In August of the preceding year, Magnus Carlsen secured his maiden Chess World Cup crown after a closely contested match against Praggnanandhaa, ultimately triumphing in the tie-breakers of the final held in Azerbaijan’s Baku. This victory marked a significant milestone for Carlsen, adding another accolade to his decorated trophy cabinet.

Despite the loss, Praggnanandhaa’s stellar performance earned him a silver medal at the Chess World Cup, securing a coveted spot at the Candidates Tournament. This achievement positioned him as only the second Indian player to earn this distinction, showcasing the rising potential of Indian chess players on the global stage.

The Finance Minister’s acknowledgment of Praggnanandhaa’s efforts not only celebrates the individual but also highlights the importance of recognizing excellence in various fields, including sports, within the context of national progress. Chess, traditionally known as a game of intellect and strategy, has found a renewed vigor in India, attracting attention and fostering talent from a diverse range of demographics.

As the Budget speech extends beyond economic matters, Sitharaman’s words echo the sentiment that the government values and acknowledges contributions in diverse fields, including sports and intellectual pursuits. The Budget’s recognition of Praggnanandhaa serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players across the nation, reinforcing the idea that accomplishments in niche areas can have a profound impact on the country’s collective identity.

In conclusion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s mention of R Praggnanandhaa in her Budget speech amplifies the significance of achievements in unconventional fields and underscores the growing prominence of chess in India. Beyond economic indicators, this recognition symbolizes a broader commitment to acknowledging excellence in various domains, contributing to a holistic and inclusive vision for the nation’s progress.

By : Kruthiga V S 

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