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Vaishali’s emotional return to Chennai after winning Candidates 2026

by Devansh Singh - 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

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The man who started it all

S. Thiyagarajan, for some of us, this can be a completely new name that we have never heard of, but Thiyagarajan is no ordinary person. He is the first coach of both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa. He is the man behind these 2 talents we see right now. In the early days, any kid needs to get a good coach who can motivate them and give them the right direction, and luckily, Vaishali and Pragg found Thiyagarajan. He is the assistant head coach at the Bloom Chess Academy and has dedicated his life to coaching and training in chess.

S. Thiyagarajan and RB Ramesh with Vaishali and Pragg

As GM R.B. Ramesh mentioned, "Due credit should be given to Thiyagarajan for imbuing in the youngsters a passion and work ethic that are out of this world. Thiyagarajan has produced 'gems' and deserves far more visibility for his contribution to Indian chess than what he gets right now."

The Grand Welcome

Late at night on the 18th of April, Vaishali Rameshbabu landed at the Chennai Airport. Just a few days ago, she had won the Candidates and become the Women's World Championship Challenger, and everyone was waiting for her. Check out the photos!!

The moment when Vaishali met her father, Rameshbabu

Tears of Happiness

Chess is everywhere, even on the cake

The Grand Welcome of Vaishali with Pranesh M, RB Ramesh, and Praggnanandhaa

Velammal's Pride

Perfect Family Picture

We show you the amazing reception Vaishali received at the Chennai Airport upon her arrival.

Smiles everywhere

Tushar Damor and Aditya Sur Roy of ChessBase India with Vaishali

All Major Media agencies were there to cover Vaishali's Arrival

Mr. AK Verma was also there to welcome the champion

Velammal School was always there to support its students! No one expected that kids would also come to welcome Vaishali, but they were there with the Staff at midnight waiting for Vaishali!!

Have a Cake

Watch this video to see the fantastic reception Vaishali received upon her homecoming.

Felicitation Ceremony

On 20th April, the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association organised a huge Felicitation Ceremony for their Champion, Vaishali. families, relatives, friends, chess players, coaches, arbiters, and officials of the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association were present there.

Dr. M. Manickam, President (TNSCA)

Family and Family friends listening to Vaishali

Vaishali is addressing the room

With India's 1st International Master: Manuel Aaron

A well-deserved award

The pictures are different, but the emotions are absolutely same

ChessBase India's team is always there to cover

Dr. M. Manickam addressing the crowd

Smile Plsss

An Autograph to remember

Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali are reacting to their old photos

The bottom picture was taken nearly 14 years ago, and the above frame was captured on the 20th of April 2026 after Vaishali returned from Cyprus becoming the Women's World Championship Challenger

Family

Core Memory

Checkout some moments from the grand felicitation of Vaishali Rameshbabu in Chennai.

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