CHENNAI, Dec 16: India’s chess prodigy D Gukesh, freshly crowned as the world chess champion, returned to a hero’s welcome by impassioned fans and Tamil Nadu government officials at Chennai’s Kamaraj airport on Monday. The 18-year-old phenom achieved this monumental feat by defeating China’s Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in Singapore last week, establishing himself as the youngest world champion in chess history, surpassing Russian legend Garry Kasparov’s record set in 1985.
Upon arrival, Gukesh expressed gratitude to the supporters whose energy, he said, fueled his victory. “It’s an amazing feeling to bring the trophy back to India,” he shared, basking in the overwhelming reception. Officials from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and his alma mater Velammal Vidayala greeted him warmly with flowers and a shawl, celebrating his journey which began at their institution.
Gukesh’s triumph not only secured him the prestigious title but also a lucrative reward of USD 1.3 million (approximately Rs 11.03 crore). He followed this up with an exceptional year, capturing headlines with a solid performance in the Candidates Tournament in Toronto and leading India to a historic first gold in the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
His homecoming was further marked by his mother, Padmavathi, a microbiologist, joining him in Singapore post-finals, and his father, Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, accompanying him throughout the competition. Gukesh proceeded to his residence amid great fanfare, with the car adorned with flowers and his photo.
The celebrations continued with an exclusive media interaction at Velammal School in Mogappair and a grand ceremony at the Kalaivanar Arangam. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin is scheduled to present Gukesh with a Rs five crore cheque in recognition of his extraordinary achievement, praising the young champion’s historic win for filling the nation with pride and joy. Gukesh now joins the esteemed Viswanathan Anand as India’s second world chess champion.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/12/17/world-champion-returns-gukesh-lands-in-chennai-to-rapturous-welcome/
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Publish Date: 2024-12-17 03:59:00
