Legendary chess player Susan Polgar recently shared a cherished memory of receiving a personal letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of Republic Day in 2022.
The letter praised her significant contributions during the formative years of young Indian chess talents.
Taking to X, Polgar posted, “A few years ago, I received this from Indian 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) support and encourage Indian chess players and athletes in other sports.”
Alongside her post, she shared a copy of the letter she received from PM Modi.
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… pic.twitter.com/kJREEEiZDx
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) June 4, 2025
PM Modi’s Support Highlighted In Gukesh’s Success
Recently, PM Modi congratulated world champion D Gukesh on his first-ever classical chess victory against world number one Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament.
Polgar praised the Prime Minister’s keen interest in chess and his encouragement of players from India.
In a separate post, Polgar asked whether other world leaders publicly supported their chess players, noting only Argentine President Javier Milei as another leader she knew to do so.
“Are there leaders of nations who tweet about their chess players? I only know of one other, Javier Milei, tweeting about Faustino Oro,” she wrote.
Are there leaders of nations who tweet about their chess players? I only know of one other, Javier Milei, tweeting about Faustino Oro.@FIDE_chess @ECUonline @ChessbaseIndia https://t.co/vbHkyTMgdk
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) June 3, 2025
Gukesh’s Resilience On Display
Polgar also applauded Gukesh’s fighting spirit after his victory over Carlsen: “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!”
Following his historic win, Gukesh continued his impressive run with a dramatic comeback classical victory against fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi in Round 7 of the Norway Chess tournament.
Despite a difficult position, Gukesh managed to secure the win, thrilling chess fans.
However, in Round 8, Hikaru Nakamura ended Gukesh’s winning streak by defeating the young Indian, snapping a five-game winless run himself.
This result tightened the tournament standings, with both Nakamura and Gukesh tied on 11.5 points, sharing third place as the competition approaches its conclusion.
Although Nakamura halted his progress, Gukesh’s performance marks a breakthrough in his career, showcasing his potential to challenge the world’s elite players in classical chess.
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