The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Sreedhara Somanath recently paid a visit to Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa at his Chennai home. During the meeting, Somanath presented Praggnanandhaa with a miniature replica of the GSLV rocket, offering words of encouragement for his upcoming chess matches.
Praggnanandhaa proudly displayed his chess trophies and expressed his best wishes for ISRO scientists and the future of Mission Gaganyan. Praggnanandhaa’s father, Ramesh Babu, was also present during this meeting.
Somanath engaged in a conversation with Praggnanandhaa, humorously noting that while the Pragyan Rover on the Moon is currently in sleep mode, the young chess player should remain active and strive to bring pride to India in the coming days.
Speaking to the press, Somanath expressed his pride in Praggnanandhaa’s achievements and his current world chess ranking of 15. He confidently predicted that Praggnanandhaa would soon ascend to the title of the world’s number one chess player. He also announced Praggnanandhaa’s collaboration with ISRO to promote space activities in India.
Praggnanandhaa shared his delight at Somanath’s visit, describing it as a proud moment. He mentioned that he received an invitation from Somanath to visit Sriharikota, where rocket launches take place, further emphasizing his pride in ISRO’s accomplishments.
Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World No. 1 in chess, beat grandmaster Praggnanandhaa earlier this year, to claim the championship at the International Chess Federation World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. Despite Praggnanandhaa’s strong efforts, Carlsen’s wealth of experience in high-stakes matches proved pivotal in the end.
(Inputs from ANI)