New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday felicitated newly-crowned world chess champion D Gukesh in Chennai. Gukesh created history last week when he became the youngest world chess champion after beating Ding Liren of China. After his emphatic triumph, CM Stalin had announced that the 18-year-old chess player would be awarded Rs 5 crore upon his arrival in Chennai.
Gukesh landed in Chennai on Monday with hundreds of people gathering at the airport to welcome the hero. A day later on December 17, Stalin, in a felicitation ceremony, presented the teenager with a cheque for Rs 5 crore on behalf of Tami Nadu government in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and chess legend Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh expresses gratitude
The chess sensation expressed heartfelt gratitude during a public address for the reward and also highlighted the important role of India’s chess capital Chennai. “For me to be standing here as the youngest World Chess Champion, I feel gratitude towards everyone,” Gukesh said. “This couldn’t have been possible without the support of the Tamil Nadu government,” he added, emphasizing the contributions from the government sources which funded him and made his momentous achievement possible.
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Watch | Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin felicitates World Chess champion #DGukesh in Chennai pic.twitter.com/JUKJ2LkHI5
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) December 17, 2024
Meanwhile, jubilant fans had gathered at the airport in large numbers on Monday to watch just a glimpse of the newest superstar. Amid loud roar and chants, Gukesh exited the airport in a specially decorated vehicle, which showed the young star’s achievements, along with his parents. Gukesh held a brief celebratory roadshow which was witnessed by scores of people. Last week, the 18-year-old chess grandmaster became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion by defeating China’s Liren in the decisive 14th game of the championship match last week.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday felicitated newly-crowned world chess champion D Gukesh in Chennai. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
