The Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay, presented cash awards to chess players from the state. Vijay awarded Gukesh Dommaraju, Praggnanandhaa R, Vaishali R, Savitha Shri B, and Srinath Narayanan for their medals at the Chess Olympiad 2026.

Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa received 1.5 million rupees each, which is about $15,500. Savitha and Vaishali received 1 million rupees each, $10,400, for the team bronze medal. The captain of the India men’s team, Narayanan, received 1 million rupees.

Pragg thanked the minister in his X:

Praggnanandhaa R

Praggnanandhaa R

India's No. 1

“Thanks to Honourable C. Joseph Vijay and the Sports Minister and SDAT for the support!

Getting recognition for the efforts pushes us to achieve more for our state and our country!”

The Chess Olympiad 2026 took place from September 16 to 27 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The India team finished the tournament in 2nd place with 18 points. The India women’s team finished the event in 3rd place with 17 points. The members of the Uzbekistan men’s team received $200,000 each, a car, and a house for winning the Olympiad.

Credit: Prakash Vijay X