'You are our pride of nation': Indigo crew's heartfelt note to Praggnanandhaa wins hearts online

Praggnanandhaa, the young chess sensation, has returned to India after an awe-inspiring journey at the FIDE World Cup in Azerbaijan. His remarkable achievements have not only earned him accolades but also a hero's welcome back home.

The 18-year-old chess prodigy reached the final round of the FIDE World Cup, where he faced off against none other than the World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa's silver medal at the FIDE World Cup and his qualification for the Candidates 2024 tournament mark an incredible milestone in his budding career.

Since his triumphant return to India, Praggnanandhaa has been showered with recognition and praise. He received a remarkable gift in the form of an electric car from the renowned industrialist, Anand Mahindra. Additionally, he had the privilege of meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Praggnanandhaa's journey back to India was marked by a heartwarming gesture from the cabin crew and captain of his Indigo flight from Doha to Chennai. The airline shared a touching photograph of a note given to Praggnanandhaa, along with a picture of him and his mother, Nagalakshmi, alongside a flight attendant.

✈️Taking chess to new heights!  We were honored to have Indian chess grandmaster Master R Praggnanandhaa on board. Congratulations to the young champion on becoming the first-ever World Cup finalist!#goIndiGo #IndiaByIndiGo pic.twitter.com/RmwcMjmy3H

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 31, 2023

The note 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 you game up and keep inspiring,." The note was signed by the captain and crew members of Indigo flight 6E: 1322.

Chennai airport witnessed an overwhelming turnout of supporters and admirers who gathered to welcome Praggnanandhaa. His recent accomplishment as the youngest runner-up in a World Cup at the age of 18 is a testament to his extraordinary talent. In addition to his silver medal, he secured his 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 in 2024.

Praggnanandhaa's journey continues to captivate the hearts of the nation, and his achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring chess enthusiasts across India and beyond.