New Delhi: D Gukesh, the youngest world champion in the history of chess, arrived home on Monday to a rapturous reception at the airport in Chennai, three days after scripting history in Singapore.
Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion aged 18 after he defeated Ding Liren, the defending champion, on Thursday in a fiercely contested title clash. The landmark win also made Gukesh only the second Indian after Vishwanathan Anand to win the world chess title.
Gukesh’s win was celebrated by millions in India and it was not a surprise that thousands thronged the Chennai airport to welcome their chess hero. State government officials including Additional Chief Secretary Dr Atulya Misra, was also present to receive Gukesh.
Gukesh edged past Liren 7.5-6.5 to achieve his dream of becoming the youngest world champion. Gukesh manifested to become the youngest champion aged 11 and, remarkably, clinched the title seven years later.
The 18-year-old Grandmaster was elated over his achievement and thanked the Indians for the all-round support.
WATCH: Gukesh arrives home to rousing reception
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: World Chess Champion #GukeshD says, “I am very glad to be here. I could see the support that and what it means to India…You guys are amazing. You gave me so much energy…” pic.twitter.com/iuFXDiLcjx
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2024
India’s rise as chess powerhouse
Gukesh’s win in the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 cemented India’s status as the new powerhouse in chess. It was apt that Gukesh broke the 39-year-old record of Russian icon Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest champion at 22 in 1985.
Russia, which dominated the global chess scene for decades, hasn’t produced a world champion in the last 18 years since Vladimir Kramnik won the crown in 2006. Following the landmark win in Singapore, The Tamil Nadu government announced whopping a cash reward of Rs five crore to the star chess player.
D Gukesh arrives home: The 18-year-old Grandmaster was elated over his achievement and thanked the Indians for the all-round supportm upon his arrival. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
