When Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa arrived at the Secretariat in Chennai on Monday (June 8, 2026) to meet Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, he did not expect what was in store for him: the Chief Minister immediately asked officials to bring a chessboard and played a game with him.

“I did not expect it. He [Chief Minister Vijay] asked officials to bring a board and started playing with me. I did not know he played chess. Though I won, he played well. He told me that he often plays with his friends,” said the Grandmaster.

Praggnanandhaa had emerged champion at the prestigious Norway Chess tournament recently.

Photos and videos of the Chief Minister playing chess with Praggnanandhaa have drawn widespread attention on social media and among chess enthusiasts.

The Chief Minister also presented a cheque for ₹50 lakh to him in light of his Norway win.

CM Vijay plays chess with Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa
| Video Credit:
Special Arrangement