Indian chess player Vaishali Rameshbabu expressed her delight in handling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media account, X, on March 8, the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Earlier on February 23, as a special gesture, PM Modi said that on Women’s Day (March 8) he would hand over his social media accounts, including X and Instagram, to a select group of inspiring women for a day during which they could share their work and experiences with their countrymen.
In his address in the 119th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that these women, who have excelled in various fields, will use the platforms to share their achievements, experiences, and challenges with the nation.
“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,” Vaishali wrote in a post from PM Modi’s handle.
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. pic.twitter.com/LlYTmqE2MQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
“I want to further improve my FIDE ranking and make my country prouder. 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, ” Vaishali added.
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, Thiru Rameshbabu and Thirumathi Nagalakshmi. My brother, @rpraggnachess and I also share a close bond. I have also been fortunate to have excellent coaches, teammates and of course I am very inspired by @vishy64theking. 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,” Vaishali further wrote.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also shared his thoughts as Vaishali Rameshbabu took over PM Modi’s X handle on this special day.
“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!” Mansukh Mandaviya wrote on X.
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… https://t.co/F0s4napOnZ
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 8, 2025
Speaking about the chess player, Vaishali secured a bronze medal at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Blitz Championship in January. The semifinal of the women’s section saw Vaishali succumb to China’s Ju Wenjun by 0.5-2.5 and she had to settle for a bronze medal.
(With inputs from ANI)
