Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian chess grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi for clinching the bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship in Doha. This achievement follows Erigaisi’s recent bronze win at the FIDE Rapid Chess Championship, making India proud in the global chess scene. He is the first Indian, after Vishwanathan Anand in 2017, to secure two medals at the World Championship.
In a social media post, PM Modi commended Erigaisi’s success, highlighting his exceptional skills, patience, and passion for the game. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Erigaisi’s accomplishments would serve as an inspiration to the youth of the nation. He extended his best wishes to the talented chess player for his future endeavors.
The initial day of the tournament saw Arjun Erigaisi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Fabiano Caruana leading the pack after 13 rounds. Erigaisi emerged as the frontrunner with 15 points, while other notable players like Magnus Carlsen, Caruana, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov also advanced to the knockout stage.
Despite his strong performance, Erigaisi faced a setback in the semifinals against Abdusattorov, losing 2.5–0.5. Abdusattorov claimed victory in the first two games, leading to a draw in the third game and eliminating the need for a fourth match. India wrapped up the year-end championship with a total of three bronze medals, with Koneru Humpy securing third place in the Women’s Rapid Championship.
Reflecting on the intense competition, FIDE Vice President Vishwanathan Anand described the tournament as a memorable event marked by high-stakes matches and exceptional gameplay. Anand emphasized the significance of the games played in Doha, noting their value for chess enthusiasts and aspiring grandmasters alike.
