Tamil Nadu CM Vijay plays chess with Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa

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CM Vijay plays chess with Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa at the Secretariat on June 8, 2026 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

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.

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.

Tamil Nadu / sport / state politics / government / sports awards / chess