Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
The arrival hall at Chennai’s Kamaraj International Airport was abuzz on Monday as D. Gukesh, India’s newly-crowned world chess champion, stepped onto home soil. Hundreds of fans, government officials, and members of the national chess fraternity had gathered to welcome the 18-year-old, who recently made history by becoming the youngest world champion in chess.
For the teenager, who defeated China's Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in a nail-biting championship finale in Singapore, the reception was overwhelming. Draped in garlands and greeted with cheers, Gukesh expressed gratitude for the homecoming.
“It’s amazing. Your support gave me a lot of energy. It’s a great feeling to win the world championship,” he said, his voice barely audible over the crowd.
The young champion’s achievements have cemented his place in history, toppling Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record of becoming the youngest champion at 22. For Gukesh, however, the victory is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a celebration for the entire nation.
“It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India. Thank you for this reception. I hope we will have a great time in the next few days celebrating together,” he added, soaking in the admiration showered by fans and officials alike.
Gukesh’s return was marked by Tamil Nadu’s traditional warmth and grandeur. Officials from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and his alma mater, Velammal Vidyalaya, presented him with bouquets and a ceremonial shawl at the airport lounge. The car that whisked him away to his Mogappair home was decked with flowers and his photograph, a fitting tribute to a player who has brought pride to his state and country.
Gukesh is set to be honoured at a reception at the Kalaivanar Arangam auditorium on Tuesday, where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is expected to felicitate him with a cheque for Rs 5 crore. “To honour the monumental achievement of Gukesh, the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, I am delighted to announce a cash prize of ₹5 crore!” Stalin had posted on X, hailing Gukesh’s feat as a source of pride for the nation.
"The Tamil Nadu government sponsored me during the Chennai Grandmasters last year. They made all the arrangements. That's how I won the tournament and qualified for the Candidates. If we get more support like this, I believe more chess players will come. I am very thankful to the Tamil Nadu government," Gukesh said.
Key to his success has been his association with renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, whose guidance helped Gukesh manage the pressure of performing on the world’s biggest stage. “In a world championship, it’s not only about chess. There is a lot of mental and emotional pressure to deal with. Paddy’s teachings helped me in that regard,” Gukesh shared during a press conference at his school.
From winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto earlier this year, which made him the youngest-ever challenger for the world crown, to leading India’s first gold-winning Chess Olympiad campaign in Budapest, Gukesh’s ascent has been fuelled by an unwavering dedication to the game.
As Gukesh prepares to celebrate his triumph with family, friends, and fans, the teenager’s focus remains steadfast. For now, the prodigy will revel in the joy of his hard-earned victory, but the chessboard undoubtedly awaits. As the youngest-ever world champion, Gukesh stands at the cusp of a legacy, ready to redefine the boundaries of the game for years to come.
