CHENNAI — Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay extended greetings on the occasion of World Chess Day on July 20, 2026. "On the occasion of World Chess Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all chess enthusiasts, players, and coaches."

The observance takes place globally on July 20 and marks the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924. FIDE first introduced the celebration of World Chess Day in 1966, and the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the day in 2019.

Vijay said Nadu has been creating history by producing the highest number of young Grandmasters in India. "Starting with Viswanathan Anand, India's first Grandmaster in 1988, young Grandmasters including Gukesh, Pragnananda, and Vaishali have been winning international chess tournaments and bringing pride to Tamil Nadu," he said.

Chennai is regarded as the Chess Capital of India and has produced nearly one-third of India's emerging young chess talents. Dommaraju Gukesh is the reigning world chess champion, while Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is a Grandmaster from Nadu. Vaishali Rameshbabu is also a chess player from the state.

"In the context of Tamil Nadu advancing as the chess capital on the global stage, the younger generation must master chess techniques, participate in international tournaments, and bring glory to Tamil Nadu and India," Vijay said. "Our government will stand by and provide all possible support for such endeavours."

Praggnanandhaa won the Norway Chess 2026 title, becoming the first Indian to win the tournament. The 20-year-old defeated Vincent Keymer in the final round, which took place in Oslo. Keymer is from Germany.

Praggnanandhaa finished ahead of Magnus Carlsen, D. Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So, and Keymer at Norway Chess 2026. Carlsen was World No. 1 at the time of the tournament. Praggnanandhaa achieved four consecutive classical victories over Alireza Firouzja, Carlsen, D. Gukesh, and Keymer during the event. He also defeated Carlsen twice during the tournament.

Vijay felicitated Praggnanandhaa at the Chief Secretariat in Chennai after Praggnanandhaa won the Norway Chess title. During the felicitation ceremony, Vijay presented Praggnanandhaa with a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh on behalf of the Sports Development Authority of Nadu. Vijay also played a friendly game of chess with Praggnanandhaa during the event.

This greeting reflects the state government's continued emphasis on chess as a sector of athletic and educational development in Nadu. By linking the recognition of current Grandmasters to institutional support, the statement reinforces the policy framework that produced nearly one-third of India's emerging young chess talents in Chennai.

The felicitation of Praggnanandhaa serves as a concrete example of this support, with a financial reward provided through the Sports Development Authority of Nadu. The focus on mastering techniques and participating in international tournaments reflects a strategic push to maintain the state's position as a leading producer of Grandmasters on the global stage.