R Praggnanandhaa's historic Norway Chess victory earns warm praise from PM Modi: 'Indeed an incredible milestone'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated R Praggnanandhaa for becoming the first Indian to win Norway Chess and said it was an incredible milestone that highlights his continued excellence.

Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win Norway Chess since the tournament's inception in 2013, capping off a landmark campaign by defeating world No. 1 and seven-time champion Carlsen twice -- a rare feat against one of the game's greatest players.

"Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa for this remarkable feat! This is indeed an incredible milestone that highlights his continued excellence. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours," Modi said in a post on 'X'.

Praggnanandhaa's triumph came in an exceptionally strong field, with all six players in the 'Open' section rated above 2700 and Carlsen leading the pack at 2840, adding further lustre to the title.

More from Chess