New Delhi [India]: Celebrating International Women’s Day, Indian chess sensation Vaishali Rameshbabu took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media account on X (formerly Twitter) to share her inspiring journey and passion for chess.
Vanakkam!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
I am @chessvaishali and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru @narendramodi Ji’s social media properties and that too on #WomensDay. As many of you would know, I play chess and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments. pic.twitter.com/LlYTmqE2MQ
Earlier on February 23, PM Modi announced that his social media handles would be managed by a select group of inspiring women on March 8 to showcase their achievements, experiences, and challenges. This initiative was highlighted in the 119th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
Vaishali’s Message to India: Pursue Your Passion in Sports
In her first post from PM Modi’s handle, Vaishali wrote:
“Vanakkam! I am @chessvaishali and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru @narendramodi Ji’s social media properties and that too on #WomensDay. As many of you would know, I play chess, and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments.”
She expressed her aspiration to further improve her FIDE ranking and make India prouder. Vaishali emphasized the value of sports as a teacher and encouraged young girls to pursue sports passionately:
“Chess has given me so much and I look forward to contributing more to the sport I love. In the same spirit, I want to tell young girls to pursue any sport they feel like. Sports is among the best teachers.”
Gratitude for Family and Coaches
Vaishali also took the opportunity to express gratitude to her parents, coaches, and brother — the young chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa. She credited her parents, Thiru Rameshbabu and Thirumathi Nagalakshmi, for their unwavering support:
“I’ve also got a message for parents and siblings- Support Girls. Trust their abilities and they’ll do wonders. In my life, I have been blessed with supportive parents… My brother, @rpraggnachess and I also share a close bond.”
She further mentioned the inspiration she draws from Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) and praised the growing support for women athletes in India:
“I feel that today’s India provides a lot of support to women athletes, which is very encouraging. From inspiring women to pursue sports to training to giving them adequate sporting exposure, the progress India is making is exceptional.”
Union Sports Minister Praises Vaishali
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared his appreciation for Vaishali’s achievements on X, calling her journey from early successes to becoming a grandmaster “truly inspiring”:
“Absolutely incredible! @chessvaishali, your journey from early successes to becoming a grandmaster is truly inspiring. Your dedication, resilience, and passion for the game have set a new benchmark in the chess world. We are incredibly proud of you and confident that this is just the beginning of even greater achievements!”
Vaishali’s Recent Achievements
In January, Vaishali secured a bronze medal at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Blitz Championship. She reached the semifinals of the women’s section but was defeated by China’s Ju Wenjun with a score of 0.5-2.5. Despite the loss, her performance earned her a spot on the podium.
A Shining Example for Aspiring Athletes
Vaishali Rameshbabu’s journey from a young chess enthusiast to an international champion reflects a story of dedication, perseverance, and family support. Her message of pursuing one’s passion with confidence and seeking support from family is a source of inspiration for young athletes across the country.