Tamil Nadu Chess Stars Shine on Global Stage: Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin Congratulates D. Gukesh, Aravindh Chithambaram & R. Praggnanandhaa | BiGG Sports News - 2025 - Bringing You the Greatest Moments in Sports

Tamil Nadu’s global dominance in chess continues to shine, with three of its grandmasters earning top spots at prestigious international tournaments held in Norway and Armenia. The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, extended his heartfelt congratulations today to GM D. Gukesh, GM Aravindh Chithambaram, and GM R. Praggnanandhaa for their exceptional achievements.

🏆 International Wins for Tamil Nadu Grandmasters

D. Gukesh, the reigning Youngest World Chess Champion and a recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, secured third place at the Norway Chess Tournament, a key fixture on the global chess calendar.
In the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament held in Armenia, Aravindh Chithambaram clinched first place, while R. Praggnanandhaa finished second.

The Deputy Chief Minister praised the trio’s achievements and emphasized that these wins have significantly elevated India’s, and especially Tamil Nadu’s, position in the world chess rankings.

Here’s a short glimpse-style write-up on the three Grandmasters (GMs) — ideal for social media, a sidebar on a website, or a short segment in a magazine:

♟️ Glimpse: Tamil Nadu’s Chess Titans at the Top

Absolutely! Here’s an elaborated version of the “Glimpse: Tamil Nadu’s Chess Titans at the Top” write-up — suitable for magazine columns, editorial blurbs, or feature sidebars on your website or app:

♟️ Glimpse: Tamil Nadu’s Chess Titans at the Top

In the quiet, strategic world of chess, three names from Tamil Nadu have risen to global prominence — D. Gukesh, Aravindh Chithambaram, and R. Praggnanandhaa. These Grandmasters, groomed through discipline, sharp intellect, and state-backed support, have become icons for the next generation of Indian chess aspirants.

🧠 D. Gukesh –
Known for his razor-sharp focus and composed demeanor, Gukesh has transformed from a child prodigy into one of the most feared names in international chess. As the youngest-ever World Chess Champion and a recipient of India’s highest sports honor, the Khel Ratna, his calm and calculative approach has floored seasoned veterans. His recent third-place finish at the Norway Chess Tournament 2025 reaffirms that this Chennai-based tactician is on track for even greater heights. He embodies modern chess — quick-thinking, adaptive, and relentlessly analytical.

🔥 Aravindh Chithambaram –
He may be soft-spoken off the board, but when the pieces move, Aravindh turns into a silent storm. His gold medal finish at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial in Armenia and his climb into the FIDE Top 10 mark the arrival of a fierce competitor built on patience and preparation. Aravindh’s style isn’t about flashy plays — it’s about outlasting and outsmarting. His victory in the Chennai Grandmasters 2024 was a sign of things to come. With every game, he’s proving that consistent hard work always trumps short-term hype.

🎯 R. Praggnanandhaa –
Charming, confident, and unpredictable — Praggu is the people’s GM. With a fearless attacking style and a love for bold openings, he keeps fans and opponents on edge. He has defeated world champions, held his own in elite tournaments, and continues to push boundaries with each appearance. Praggnanandhaa’s runner-up finish in Armenia is just one more chapter in a career that promises to be legendary. His journey is a perfect mix of raw talent and refined learning, powered by Tamil Nadu’s Elite athlete support system.

👑 A Legacy in the Making

All three players benefit from the Elite Scheme of Tamil Nadu’s Sports Development Authority, which has provided financial, technical, and infrastructural support for years. Their rise isn’t accidental — it’s the result of a well-nurtured sporting ecosystem and visionary policies led by the state government.

Today, three of the four Indian players in the FIDE Top 10 hail from Tamil Nadu — a statistic that speaks volumes. From training halls in Chennai to world championship stages, this southern state is proving itself as India’s chess capital.

They’re not just masters of the 64 squares — they’re symbols of what structured investment in talent can achieve.

🌍 Tamil Nadu’s Presence in FIDE Top 10

Following his win in Armenia, Aravindh Chithambaram has officially entered the FIDE World Top 10 rankings — a major milestone in his career. Notably, Aravindh had previously won the Chennai Grandmasters Chess Tournament (Master category) conducted by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) last year.

Currently, three of the four Indian players in the world top 10 are from Tamil Nadu — a testament to the state’s long-standing legacy in producing world-class chess talent.

💼 Backed by Tamil Nadu’s Elite Scheme

GMs D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa are part of the Elite Scheme under the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), which supports top-performing athletes with an annual financial grant of ₹30 lakh.

This funding helps athletes:

Acquire cutting-edge equipment
Train abroad with elite international coaches
Participate consistently in high-level international tournaments

Mr. Stalin highlighted how the consistent investments made under the Elite Scheme are now bearing fruit, with Tamil Nadu athletes making their mark on the global stage.

🏛️ Government Commitment to Sports Excellence

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin noted that Tamil Nadu’s rising prominence in world chess is a direct reflection of the visionary policies of Hon’ble Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has prioritized the development of youth and sports in the state.

The celebratory event also saw the presence of:

Dr. Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department
Mr. J. Meghanath Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu

Together, they reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening Tamil Nadu’s position as a global sports powerhouse, especially in disciplines like chess, athletics, and shooting.

Stay tuned with BiGG Sports NEWS for more updates on Tamil Nadu’s sporting champions and global sports stories that inspire.