Vaishali’s emotional return to Chennai after winning Candidates 2026
25/04/2026 - R. Vaishali won the FIDE Candidates 2026 on 15th April. After the award-winning ceremony on 16th April in Cyprus, the whole of India, and especially Chennai, was waiting for its Champion!! It was the early morning of 19th April when Vaishali landed in Chennai, and for her welcome, there were her fans, friends, family members, teachers, media, and so many people, but the most important one was her father, Mr Rameshbabu, we saw the sacrifices and the strength of mother Nagalakshmi but even if Rameshbabu was not physcially present during the event, he was supporting the kids from heart. A Grand Felicitation Ceremony was held in Chennai on 20th April by the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association in honour of the Women's Candidate Winner, R Vaishali. Photos: Aditya Sur Roy, Tushar Damor/ChessBase India