New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his congratulations to Indian chess grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi for clinching the bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship in Doha.

Erigaisi's remarkable achievement follows closely behind his bronze medal at the FIDE Rapid Chess Championship, further solidifying India's reputation in the international chess community. He has now become the first Indian since Vishwanathan Anand (2017) to win two medals at a World Championship.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi stated, "India’s progress in chess is commendable! Congratulations to Arjun Erigaisi for his bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship in Doha, following his recent bronze in the FIDE Rapid Chess Championship. His exceptional skills, dedication, and passion serve as an inspiration for our youth. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

During the opening day of the tournament, Erigaisi, along with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Fabiano Caruana, shared the lead after 13 rounds, with Erigaisi finishing the day at the top with 15 points. Other notable players qualifying for the knockout rounds included Magnus Carlsen, Caruana, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Ultimately, Erigaisi faced a defeat against Abdusattorov, concluding the semifinal with a score of 2.5–0.5. Abdusattorov won the first two games, while Erigaisi managed to draw the third game, making the fourth game unnecessary.

India wrapped up the year-end championship with a total of three bronze medals, as Koneru Humpy also achieved third place in the Women’s Rapid Championship.

"This edition of the World Rapid & Blitz has been unforgettable. We witnessed five days of intense competition at an exceptional level of play. The games held in Doha will be analyzed by fans and aspiring grandmasters alike, serving as valuable material for the history of our sport," stated Vishwanathan Anand, Vice President of FIDE.