The newly-crowned world chess champion, Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh received a grand welcome down in Chennai on Monday. Fans, officials from the Tamil Nadu government, and members of the National Chess Federation gathered in large numbers to celebrate this historic moment. Gukesh, just 18 years old, made history by defeating China’s Ding Liren in Singapore with a close score of 7.5-6.5, becoming the youngest world chess champion ever, surpassing the previous record held by Gary Kasparov. After their arrival, Gukesh expressed gratitude to his supporters, believing their unwavering support throughout his journey. His return has been celebrated across the nation, marking a historic chapter in Indian chess history.
A journey filled with challenges and wins
At the closing ceremony in Singapore, Gukesh delivered an emotional speech, highlighting the ups and downs of his journey. “This moment, in reality, holding the trophy, means more than anything else,”. Gukesh graciously praised his opponent, Ding Liren, acknowledging him as a true champion who put up a fantastic fight despite immense pressure. The young champion extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in his success, including his parents, coaches, and team.
The support of his mental trainer, Paddy Upton, was crucial during the high-pressure matches, highlighting the importance of mental strength in achieving such feats.
A beacon for Indian Chess
Gukesh’s victory has sparked widespread admiration and inspired a wave of enthusiasm in the Indian chess community. Messages of congratulations poured in from all corners, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who acknowledged Gukesh’s vast potential and described his win as opening up “a world of endless possibilities.”
Viswanathan Anand, India’s first world chess champion, has had a close bond with Gukesh, often sharing advice and insights about the game. Anand expressed his pride in Gukesh’s achievements, citing the young champion’s dedication and passion as key to his success. The victory of Gukesh is anticipated to have a profound impact on chess in India, encouraging young aspirants to dream big and pursue their passions.
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