'You are our pride.' Indigo flight crew shares heartfelt message for R Praggnanandhaa, gets a click with chess champ

India's young chess sensation, R Praggnanandhaa, has returned to the country after a remarkable journey at the FIDE World Cup 2023 in Azerbaijan. His extraordinary performance has not only earned him accolades but also a warm hero's welcome upon his homecoming.

As Praggnanandhaa embarked on his journey back to India, he received a heartfelt note from the cabin crew and captain of his Indigo flight from Doha to Chennai.

The airline shared a touching photograph capturing this heartwarming moment, featuring Praggnanandhaa and his mother, Nagalakshmi, alongside a flight attendant.


The note, signed by the captain and crew members of Indigo flight 6E: 1322, read, "Dear Praggnanandhaa, it is truly an honour and our pleasure to fly you on board with us today. You are our Pride of the Nation. You have made our country so proud. We wish and pray that you achieve many more like this. You are truly an inspiration for all of us. Keep your game up and keep inspiring."


Upon his return to India, Chennai airport witnessed an overwhelming turnout of supporters and admirers who had gathered to extend their heartfelt welcome to Praggnanandhaa.

Notably, industrialist Anand Mahindra has presented him with a remarkable gift—an electric car, a gesture symbolizing India's pride in his accomplishments. Further, he had the honour of meeting India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin.

The 18-year-old prodigy's journey to the final round of the FIDE World Cup pitted him against none other than the World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen.

Praggnanandhaa's silver medal in the prestigious event and his qualification for the Candidates 2024 tournament mark a significant milestone in his chess career.

In addition to his silver medal, he also secured his coveted place in the prestigious eight-player Candidates Tournament—a competition that will determine the challenger to the reigning world champion, Ding Liren, in the highly anticipated chess showdown slated for 2024.