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 The Andhra Pradesh government announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh and a house site for the newly-crowned Commonwealth Chess champion P
Harikrishna, who is savouring a sweet home-coming after a triumphant tour. The country’s youngest ever Grandmaster called on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and shared his experiences and spoke about his ambitions.
Congratulating the 15-year-old champion for bringing laurels to the country and the state by his stupendous achievements, Naidu said his government would allot a 500 square yard house site for the young hero, besides the cash reward. “The government will also provide financial support for his future studies and also his tours abroad for participating in international level competitions,” he said.
A delighted Harikrishna told reporters that his ambition was to become the world champion and thanked the Chief Minister for the encouragement.
Harikrishna, who was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival yesterday evening, also called on the Governor Dr C Rangarajan at the Raj Bhavan today. Showering praises on the young champion, the Governor said, “He is on the threshold of a great career. Many more laurels are to follow”.
 Earlier following Humpy’s title win, congratulations poured in from the high and mighty of the land. In a message, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu
said, “Humpy made Andhra Pradesh and the country proud by winning the coveted title.” “It was a brilliant performance. I wish her many more laurels in the days to come,” he added.
Andhra Pradesh Chess Association Secretary V R Bobba termed it “an excellent result.” “Now, the door is open for her to take part in the Senior Worlds. It’s great. She has a very bright future ahead. Wish she wins the Senior Worlds too,” he said.
“Humpy and Harikrishna have been matching each other title for title for long. This is a great sign for Andhra Pradesh and India. Humpy’s win, coming a day after Harikrishna’s triumph at the Commonwealth Championship, will go down as an all-time great achievement,” Bobba said.
The State Government had announced a Rs 25 lakh cash reward and a house site for the Junior World Chess champion Koneru Humpy, who also hails from Andhra Pradesh. |
