PM Modi lauds chess players' innovative method of raising money

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lavished praise on Indian chess players, including former world champion Vishwanathan Anand, for coming up with an "invative" way to raise funds for country's fight against COVID-19 pandemic.  Five leing players Vidit Gujrathi, P Harikrishna and B hiban, Koneru Humpy and Dharika, alongside Anand h participated in an online chess exhibition and helped raise Rs 4.5 lakh for PM-CARES Fund.

PM Modi lauds chess players

"Invative effort and kind gesture by our chess players, including @vishy64king, @viditchess, Pentala Harikrishna, B. hiban and @Harikronavali," Modi tweeted. "Am sure participants would have h an enriching experience," he ded.

In India, COVID-19 pandemic has so far claimed over 350 lives while infecting close to 12,000 across country. On Tuesday, Modi extended lockdown till May 3 in a bid to contain spre of virus.