India’s chess future looks really bright. While R Praggnanandhaa reached the final of the FIDE Chess World Cup, there are many other grandmasters who have really stepped up in recent years. Praggnanandhaa could not quite make it to the final, losing the title decider to world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. But he still made history in Indian sports and inspired many others like him to keep on dreaming. However, after the 18-year-old’s defeat in the final, a dream of his parents was also fulfilled by industrialist Anand Mahindra.
The Mahindra Group made a big announcement on social media and decided to gift Praggnanandha with an all-electric SUV, in honor of his achievements in chess. Anand Mahindra himself brought up the idea on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
“I appreciate your feelings, Krishlay, and many, like you, have urged me to gift a Thar to @rpragchess. But I have another idea…I would encourage parents to introduce their children to with chess and support them in their pursuit of this cerebral game (despite the huge popularity of video games!). It is an investment in a better future for our planet, just like EVs. And so I think we should donate an XUV4OO EV to the PARENTS of @rpragchess Shrimati Nagalakshmi & Shri Rameshbabu, who deserve our gratitude for nurturing their son’s passion and for giving their tireless support.What do you think, @rajesh664?, wrote Anand Mahindra.
“Congratulations @rpragchess for your spectacular achievement. Thank you @anandmahindra for the idea of acknowledging PARENTS of @rpragchess Shrimati Nagalakshmi and Shri Rameshbabu. XUV400 all-electric SUV would be perfect – our team will join for special edition and delivery.” The Mahindra The Group’s Executive Director and CEO responded.
Congratulations @rpragchess for your spectacular performance. Thank you @anandmahindra for the idea of acknowledging PARENTS @rpragchess Shrimati Nagalakshmi & Shri Rameshbabu. The all-electric SUV XUV400 would be perfect – our team will work together for a special edition and delivery
— Rajesh Jejurikar (@rajesh664) August 28, 2023
In response to the gesture, Praggnanandhaa said that it was a long-term dream of his parents to own an electric car, which is now being completed.
“No words to express my gratitude. Thank you so much @anandmahindrasir and @rajesh664 sir. It is a long-term dream of my parents to own an EV car, thank you for making it come true!” said Praggnanandhaa.
“The ultimate goal of a car manufacturer is to turn dreams into reality,” Anand Mahindra replied to the chess prodigy’s post.
The ultimate goal of a car manufacturer is to turn dreams into reality… https://t.co/hoRiOIoQHH
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 30, 2023
After his participation in the World Chess Cup, Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh D (another grandmaster) will participate in the Asian Games camp on August 30.
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