Cricket News

Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech hails India’s sporting Rise, Chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa steals the spotlight

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today used her budget speech in the Lok Sabha to celebrate India’s growing prowess in the sporting arena, singling out young chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa for his remarkable performance against the reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen in 2023.

“The country is proud of our youth scaling new heights in sports,” Sitharaman declared, citing India’s impressive medal haul at the 2023 Asian Games and Asian Para Games as evidence of the nation’s rising confidence. “The highest-ever medal tally reflects a high confidence level,” she stated.

Her words resonated particularly with chess enthusiasts as she specifically mentioned Praggnanandhaa’s historic challenge to Carlsen. “Chess prodigy and our number-one ranked player Praggnanandhaa put up a stiff fight against the reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsson in 2023,” she announced to applause from the house.

Sitharaman’s acknowledgement of his achievement not only highlighted Praggnanandhaa’s individual talent but also served as a testament to the growing popularity of chess in India. The country has witnessed a surge in interest in the game in recent years, with the number of grandmasters increasing from around 20 in 2010 to over 80 today, as the Minister proudly pointed out. This recognition from the Finance Minister is likely to further boost support for chess in India, potentially leading to increased government funding for training programs, infrastructure development, and tournaments. It could also inspire more young people to take up the game, nurturing future talents like Praggnanandhaa.

Experts suggest a proper roadmap to be laid!

However, some experts suggest that while celebrating individual achievements is crucial, sustained growth in Indian sports requires a more holistic approach. They emphasize the need for improved infrastructure, better coaching facilities, and increased accessibility to sports at the grassroots level, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, experts call for a well-structured system to identify and nurture talent, ensuring consistent support throughout their careers. This includes providing financial assistance, access to international tournaments, and opportunities to train with the best minds in the world.

Sitharaman’s mention of Praggnanandhan in her budget speech undoubtedly served as a significant moment for Indian chess. However, it remains to be seen whether this translates into concrete policies and increased investment that can truly propel the nation to the forefront of the sporting world.