‘I did not ask for it but ... ': Chess legend Susan Polgar reveals PM Modi's surprise letter; here's what India prime minister wrote to her
PM Modi and chess legend Susan Polgar
NEW DELHI: Chess legend Susan Polgar reminisced about receiving a letter from Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
on Republic Day eve 2022, acknowledging her contributions to developing young Indian chess talent.
Recently, PM Modi extended congratulations to Gukesh Dommaraju for achieving his first classical chess victory against
Magnus Carlsen
, world no. 1, during Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025.
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The Hungarian chess champion commended the Prime Minister's dedication to chess and his support for Indian players.
"A few years ago, I received this from Prime Minister Modi for my work with Indian students and support for Indian players.
His office contacted me directly for my address so they can express his letter. I did not ask for it but appreciated his gesture. It is nice that he (even through his assistants) supports and encourages Indian chess players and athletes in other sports," she shared on X alongside PM Modi's 2022 letter.
Susan's earlier post shared PM Modi's congratulatory message to Gukesh regarding his victory over Carlsen, whilst questioning if other national leaders discuss chess players, noting Argentine President Javier Milei as the sole exception.
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"Are there leaders of nations who tweet about their chess players? I only know of one other, Javier Milei, tweeting about Faustino Oro," Susan wrote.
Additionally, Susan praised Gukesh's remarkable victory over Carlsen in Norway Chess round six, stating, "He fights and fights and fights no matter how bad the positions are. This was also the strength of Carlsen for years. Mark of champions!"
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Subsequently, Gukesh secured his maiden classical victory against fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi in an intense seventh-round match, despite initially appearing to be in a losing position.
However, in round eight, Hikaru Nakamura ended Gukesh's winning streak by defeating the world champion in classical format, breaking his five-game winless run and creating an exciting tournament situation.
The victory placed Nakamura alongside Gukesh at 11.5 points, resulting in a shared third position as the tournament nears its conclusion. For Gukesh, this defeat represents a slight setback in an otherwise outstanding tournament performance.
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