Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion at 18 – A Historic Triumph for India

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju returned home to a hero’s welcome in Chennai on Monday after making history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at just 18 years old.

The arrival of the new chess sensation was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from his fans. As Gukesh stepped out of Chennai airport, hundreds of supporters, many of them young fans from his school, gathered in excitement, cheering and holding placards and photos of their new idol. The atmosphere was electric, with TV cameras capturing every moment of the emotional celebration. Gukesh, draped in flower garlands and holding his World Chess Championship trophy, was clearly moved by the warmth of the reception.

“It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India,” Gukesh told reporters, beaming with pride as he brandished the sparkling trophy. The crowd showered him with petals, and his hair was smothered in the sweet-smelling flowers, further adding to the euphoric scenes. “I can see the support and what it means to India. I am glad to be here,” he added, his voice filled with gratitude.

Gukesh’s victory in Singapore last week, where he triumphed over China’s Ding Liren in a dramatic final game, has catapulted him into the spotlight, not just in India but around the world. His achievement is particularly significant in a country that traditionally has its sporting passions rooted in cricket. However, Gukesh’s triumph is helping change that perception, as chess, long a favorite of intellectuals and enthusiasts, gains broader popularity.

The scenes at Chennai airport echoed the jubilant welcome that India’s cricket team received after their T20 World Cup victory earlier this year, though on a slightly smaller scale. Fans cheered for Gukesh, who had just taken down Ding Liren in an intense 14-game battle that lasted nearly three weeks. The victory marked a defining moment for Gukesh, who had been quietly dominating the chess world before his big breakthrough. Upon winning, Gukesh, usually a reserved and modest young man, was overcome with emotion and shed tears of joy.

As he interacted with his fans, who were chanting his name, Gukesh appeared humbled by the outpouring of support. “You guys are amazing,” he said, smiling at the cheering crowd. He was then swiftly ushered into a car covered in posters of his face, where he sat beside his father, a doctor who has been by his side throughout his journey to the top. The journey has been remarkable—Gukesh became India’s youngest grandmaster at the age of just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, setting a new milestone in Indian chess history.

His victory in the Candidates Tournament earlier this year further cemented his place as one of the brightest young talents in the world of chess. By winning the Candidates Tournament, Gukesh became the youngest-ever player to qualify for the World Chess Championship. His triumph in Singapore against the defending champion, Ding Liren, was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.

Gukesh’s achievement is even more significant as he surpassed the previous record held by Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov, who won the World Chess Championship at the age of 22. Gukesh’s win at just 18 years old is a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination. His victory over Ding, who is 32 years old, marked the end of the reigning champion’s title defense, giving way to Gukesh’s rise as the new chess king.

Gukesh now joins the ranks of India’s chess greats, becoming only the second Indian to ever hold the World Chess Championship title. The first was Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, who also hails from Chennai. Anand has long been regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time and is a source of inspiration for Gukesh and many other aspiring players in India. With Gukesh’s victory, it is clear that India has a new chess hero to look up to.

In recognition of his monumental achievement, Gukesh will be honored by the government of Tamil Nadu, his home state. He is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month in New Delhi. Modi, who has already praised Gukesh’s “remarkable accomplishment,” expressed his admiration for the young champion, stating that his victory has not only “etched his name in the annals of chess history” but has also inspired millions of young minds across India to dream big and pursue excellence.

For Gukesh, this victory is just the beginning. He has the potential to redefine the future of Indian chess, inspiring a new generation of players to follow in his footsteps. His success serves as proof that talent, when combined with hard work and determination, can lead to greatness. As Gukesh continues to rise, India can be proud to have a new champion who is sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of chess.

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• Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion at 18 – A Historic Triumph for India”

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#Indian Chess 2024

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