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Indian Grandmaster Claims First-Ever Norway Chess Title for India
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa delivered a memorable performance to claim the prestigious Norway Chess title, becoming the first player from India to win the elite tournament. The 20-year-old’s final-round victory capped a remarkable campaign and marked a major milestone in Indian chess history.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. The Chennai-based prodigy secured the championship with a crucial final-round victory over German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer on Friday.
Entering the final round in third place with 15 points, Praggnanandhaa faced a must-win situation to keep his title hopes alive. Rising to the occasion, he produced an impressive classical victory, earning three valuable points and finishing the tournament with a total of 18 points. The triumph completed a brilliant campaign against some of the world’s strongest chess players.
The achievement is particularly significant because no Indian player had previously won the Norway Chess title since the tournament was established in 2013. Praggnanandhaa’s success surpasses a milestone that had eluded even Indian chess icon Viswanathan Anand, a multiple-time world champion and one of the greatest players in chess history.
The victory also highlights the continued rise of India’s new generation of chess stars. Praggnanandhaa has consistently impressed on the international circuit with victories against elite opponents and strong performances in major tournaments. His latest triumph further cements his position among the world’s leading grandmasters.
For Indian chess, the Norway Chess title represents another landmark achievement in a period of unprecedented success. Alongside reigning world champion D Gukesh and several other young talents, Praggnanandhaa is helping establish India as a global powerhouse in the sport.
The historic win is expected to inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts across the country and adds another glorious chapter to India’s growing legacy in international chess.
