Sports Diplomacy

India’s 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M has captured the Group A title at the Kanizsa Open 2026 in Hungary, finishing with seven points from nine rounds. The Karaikudi-born chess talent’s victory adds another international achievement to India’s growing chess profile and highlights the rise of a new generation of Indian players making their mark on the global sporting stage.

Indian jockey Suraj Narredu has created history in Japan by becoming the first Indian rider to claim a victory under the Japan Racing Association (JRA). His landmark win at Sapporo, achieved during the 2026 World All-Star Jockeys competition, marks a significant moment for Indian horse racing and highlights the country’s growing presence on the international sporting stage.