Chennai, Dec 7 (Representative) Teenage Chess sensation and Grand Master R.Praggnanandhaatoday said his aim is to become World Number one and he will work hard to achieve it.He was speaking at a felicitation function organised by Velammal Matric Higher Secondayschool–where the 17-year-old Chess star was now studying 12th standard–for receivingthe prestigious Arjuna award at a very young age. During the function, the school management presented him a cheque for Rs ten lakhsfor receiving the Arjuna award. The cheque was presented to him by Tamil Nadu Sports and Youth Welfare MinisterV.Meyyanathan and HR and CE Minister P.K.Sekar Babu in the presence of SchoolPrincipal MVM Velmohan at a grand function held at the school grounds in the city.Replying to felicitations, Praggnanandhaa, who had been creating waves and had defeated World Number One Magnus Carlsen thrice, said he wanted to becomeWorld Number One.”I am studying in this school for the last 13 years, right from LKG. Now I am into12th Standard. I thank the school management, teachers and friends for theirsupport that helped me to become Grand Master”.
“My aim is to become World Number One. I will work hard to attain that goal. Afterattaining my goal, I will come back and meet you all”, he told the gathering, whichincluded teachers, school students and their parents”. He also thanked Chief Minister M.K.Stalin and the Sports Minister for successfullyhosting the prestigious World Chess Olympiad, in which Praggnanandhaa won abronze in the Men’s team event and his elder sister also bagging a bronze in theindividual section.Speaking on the occasion, Meyyanathan said the Chief Minister yesterday personallygreeted him for receiving the Arjuna award.He also recalled how the Chief Minister took steps in short notice to get the ChessOlympiad to Chennai in which Praggnanandhaa and his sister won a bronze medal,amid stiff competition from more than 2,000 players from 187 countries and termedit as a very rare feat.Recalling Praggnananadhaa’s three wins against Magnus Carlsen, the Minister laudedhim for winning several events at this very young age and wished him more success inhis chess journey.Sekar Babu also congratulated him for getting the Arjuna award and wished him manymore laurels in future.