On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu for scripting history by clinching the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025 title for the second successive year.
He described her feat as ‘an outstanding accomplishment’ and also applauded Anandkumar Velkumar for delivering India’s first world championship gold in speed skating.
Vaishali Rameshbabu carved her place in the record books on Monday. Consequently, she became the first Indian to defend the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss crown.
She secured the championship by holding former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi to a draw in the final round, finishing alone at the top of the leaderboard.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Outstanding accomplishment. Congrats to Vaishali Rameshbabu. Her passion and dedication are exemplary. Best wishes for her future endeavours.”
Outstanding accomplishment. Congrats to Vaishali Rameshbabu. Her passion and dedication are exemplary. Best wishes for her future endeavours. @chessvaishali https://t.co/0AgnNjRV93
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2025
This victory, however, guarantees Vaishali a spot in next year’s Candidates Tournament.
For the first time, India will have three women competing in the event – Vaishali, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh, the World Cup winner.
The Candidates Tournament will decide who earns the right to challenge the reigning Women’s World Champion.
In another post, the Prime Minister lauded Anandkumar Velkumar. He captured gold in the Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint at the 2025 Speed Skating World Championships. This achievement made him India’s first world champion in the sport.
“Proud of Anandkumar Velkumar for winning the Gold at the Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint in the Speed Skating World Championships 2025. His grit, speed and spirit have made him India’s first World Champion in skating. His accomplishment will inspire countless youngsters. Congratulations to him and best wishes for all future endeavours,” the Prime Minister further posted.
Proud of Anandkumar Velkumar for winning the Gold at the Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint in the Speed Skating World Championships 2025. His grit, speed and spirit have made him India’s first World Champion in skating. His accomplishment will inspire countless youngsters.… pic.twitter.com/uewup1bGir
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2025
The 22-year-old skater struck gold in the championships held in China, clocking 1:24.924 in the 1000m sprint. Consequently, he emerged as India’s maiden world champion in the discipline.
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