FM Nirmala Sitharaman Highlights Chess Grandmasters and Sporting Achievements in Pre-Election Budget Speech

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In her pre-election Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized India's progress and aspirations, with a notable focus on the realm of sports. Among her key points, Sitharaman highlighted the remarkable growth of chess in India and celebrated the achievements of chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.

Sitharaman pointed out that India now boasts over 80 chess grandmasters, a significant increase from just 20 in 2010. This surge in chess talent underscores the nation's growing prowess in the sport on the global stage.

Additionally, the Finance Minister acknowledged Praggnanandhaa's valiant effort in the Chess World Cup final against reigning champion Magnus Carlsen, emphasizing the young player's contribution to India's sporting legacy.

Beyond chess, Sitharaman lauded India's exceptional performance in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, achieving the highest-ever medal tally in 2023. This success reflects the nation's dedication to sports excellence across diverse disciplines.

Furthermore, Sitharaman outlined the government's commitment to fostering socio-economic development and addressing systemic inequalities. She emphasized the importance of outcomes-driven policies aimed at achieving tangible transformation and ensuring social justice for all segments of society, particularly farmers, women, youth, and the underprivileged.

Looking ahead, Sitharaman expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming general elections, expressing confidence in the government's track record and its vision for a self-reliant India. She highlighted the government's resilience in overcoming challenges, including the unprecedented trials posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and reiterated its commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive nation.