CHENNAI: Indian chess star Gukesh Dommaraju returned to a hero’s welcome in his hometown on Monday (December 16) after turning into the youngest world champion at simply 18.
Hundreds of followers thronged the arrivals space of Chennai airport, cheering alongside rows of cameras as Gukesh walked out of the airport following his World Chess Championship title win.
“It means so much to convey the trophy again to India,” Gukesh instructed reporters, flower garlands draped round his neck, brandishing the glittering trophy in his hand.
“I can see the help and what it means for India, I’m completely happy to be right here,” he added, as celebratory petals tossed into the air choked his hair.
Gukesh downed China’s Ding Liren in a dramatic remaining match in Singapore final week, instantly turning into a famous person in a nation the place sports activities followers are often obsessed solely with cricket.
The scenes within the southern Indian metropolis of Chennai had been reminiscent, albeit on a smaller scale, of the triumphant homecoming of the nation’s cricket stars this 12 months with the T20 World Cup trophy.
Young followers, particularly from Gukesh’s faculty, held indicators and pictures of their new hero, whose victory gave a lift to his dream of pursuing chess as knowledgeable sport.
When he received in Singapore – after almost three weeks and 14 video games of intense battle towards the 32-year-old Ding – Gukesh burst into tears.
Gukesh, who’s often reserved and extra used to quiet, cerebral tournaments than wild celebrations, appeared virtually overwhelmed by the rock star reception on Monday.
“You guys are wonderful,” he instructed followers earlier than being shortly ushered right into a automotive lined in posters of him, alongside his father. “You gave me a lot power.”
