Gukesh, Pragg get Rs 15 lakh each as TN awards Rs 60 lakh to Olympiad medallists
The Tamil Nadu government awarded cash incentives to chess players who excelled at the 2026 Chess Olympiad and Asian Games. The state also launched the 'Dream Olympics 2036' scheme to provide long-term financial support for elite athletes.
Why it matters
State-sponsored financial support for athletes is a key driver for professionalizing sports and improving performance in international competitions.
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay honoured the state's chess players for their performances at the 2026 Chess Olympiad, awarding a total of Rs 60 lakh to five recipients at a ceremony in Chennai on Thursday.World champion D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa received Rs 15 lakh each, while Savitha Shri B, R Vaishali and Indian Open team captain Srinath Narayanan were awarded Rs 10 lakh each.Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa among top awardeesGukesh won an individual silver medal and helped India secure silver in the Open team event. His parents, Rajinikanth and Padma, collected the award on his behalf.Praggnanandhaa received the same amount after winning an individual bronze medal on Board 1 and contributing to India's team silver.Savitha Shri earned Rs 10 lakh for her individual gold medal and her role in India's bronze medal-winning women's team.
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