Youngest ever chess world champion Gukesh Dommaraju returns home to rock star welcome in India
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Gukesh Dommaraju, the youngest-ever chess world champion, was met with an overwhelming reception upon his return to India on Monday. The 18-year-old had made history just days earlier, defeating defending champion Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in a tense best-of-14 final in Singapore. The victory was sealed after Ding made a critical blunder in the final game, securing Gukesh’s place as the youngest chess world champion, a title previously held by Garry Kasparov, who won his first world title at the age of 22 in 1985.
Draped in the Indian flag and clutching his shiny trophy, Gukesh was greeted by hundreds of ecstatic fans at Chennai International Airport. His fans showered him with cheers, confetti, and banners, with the atmosphere resembling that of a rock star or cricket hero’s homecoming. The champion, beaming with joy, expressed his gratitude to the crowd, saying, “Thank you for all the support. It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India. I hope we can have a great time in the next few days celebrating together.” He continued, “You guys are amazing. You gave me so much energy. Looking forward to meeting you all.”
Gukesh’s arrival was nothing short of a spectacle, with the atmosphere buzzing with excitement. The champion was driven away in a specially decorated car with the words, “The new king in the kingdom of chess!” The celebrations included men on stilts and a crowd singing his name, making it clear that the young chess prodigy was now a household name in India.
Gukesh’s victory was met with widespread admiration, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the young champion’s success. In a statement, Modi called the win “historic and exemplary,” emphasizing the dedication and skill that led to Gukesh’s triumph. “This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination,” said the Prime Minister. “His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence.”
Looking ahead, Gukesh is expected to meet with Prime Minister Modi later in December to celebrate his achievement further. The champion’s victory has already had a profound impact on the world of chess, and his story will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to future generations of chess enthusiasts, particularly in India, where the game has seen a surge in popularity thanks to figures like Anand and now Gukesh.
In his moment of triumph, Gukesh reflected on the significance of the moment, not just for himself but for the broader chess community in India. “It’s an incredible feeling,” he said. “To be part of such a rich legacy and to add my name to it is something I will cherish forever.” With his remarkable victory, Gukesh has become a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and dedication, a role model for aspiring players worldwide.
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