R Praggnanandhaa has been the toast of the sporting world since his stunning victory over Magnus Carlsen.
Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar had congratulated the chess prodigy and wished him all the success. "What a wonderful feeling it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced and decorated Magnus Carlsen, and that too while playing black, is magical. Best wishes on a long and successful chess career ahead. You've made India proud!" Tendulkar wrote in a Twitter post.
The 16-year-old was elated and thanked Tendulkar for his appreciation. "Thank you very much, sir. It means a lot coming from you," Praggnanandhaa wrote in his response.
Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, called it a remarkable achievement by the young Grandmaster. "Remarkable achievement. Inspiring and a proud moment for India's Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. The 16-year-old Grandmaster scored a victory over reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen. I am confident you will achieve even more going ahead; wishing you the very best." he tweeted.
Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said that the entire country is proud of Praggnanandhaa's achievements.
Praggnanandhaa secured the memorable win in the eighth round of the online rapid chess competition Airthings Masters. He is now the third Indian to defeat Carlsen after Vishwanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna.
Praggnanandhaa defeated Russia's Vladislav Artemiev in the 15th and final round of the preliminary phase of the Airthings Masters but missed out on qualifying for the quarterfinals.