‘Fearless, focused’: Gautam Adani and Anand Mahindra hail Praggnanandhaa after historic Norway Chess triumph

Sealing a historic win for India, Adani Sportsline’s “Garv Hai” athlete R. Praggnanandhaa received praise from Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who hailed the 20-year-old Grandmaster as the embodiment of a “rising, youthful India” after he became the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title.

Praggnanandhaa scripted history on Friday by defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round, completing one of the tournament’s greatest comebacks and etching his name in Indian chess history.

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Congratulating the Chennai Grandmaster, Adani lauded his fearless mindset and composure against the world’s strongest players, saying his achievement was a matter of immense pride for the nation.

“Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess tournament—one of the ultimate tests of endurance, intellect and temperament in the world of chess. To defeat the world’s absolute best on one of chess’s grandest stages is a remarkable feat. But what makes it even more special is the spirit with which Pragg plays. Fearless. Focused. Deeply Indian. You represent the confidence of a rising, youthful India. The entire nation is incredibly proud of you, Pragg,” Adani wrote on X.

Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess tournament – one of the ultimate tests of endurance, intellect and temperament in the world of chess.

To defeat the world’s absolute best on one of chess’s grandest stages is a remarkable… pic.twitter.com/Cm8hncebV5

— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) June 6, 2026

Also read: ‘Mom knows something’: R Praggnanandhaa reveals mother’s prophetic words after Norway Chess victory

Anand Mahindra hails Praggnanandhaa’s ‘challenger spirit’ after historic Norway Chess triumph

Business leader Anand Mahindra also joined the chorus of congratulations for R Praggnanandhaa, applauding the young Grandmaster’s fearless mentality after he became the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title.

Invoking the phrase “to beard the lion in his den,” Mahindra compared Praggnanandhaa’s achievement to confronting a formidable rival on home soil, noting that Norway Chess has long been Magnus Carlsen’s domain.

“To beard the lion in his den.”

The dictionary defines it as boldly confronting a powerful rival on their own turf.

For years, Norway Chess has been Magnus Carlsen’s den. His turf. His domain.

So I woke up to this news and my jaw dropped.

You didn’t just win a title,… pic.twitter.com/1F2j0fMJgm

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 6, 2026

Also Read: Praggnanandhaa scripts history, outplays Vincent Keymer to seal maiden Norway Chess crown for India

The elite tournament featured a world-class field, including World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, reigning world champion D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So and Vincent Keymer, making it one of the strongest events on the international chess calendar.