FIDE Candidates Champion D Gukesh Returns To Hero's Welcome In Chennai

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Chennai, Apr 25: The air at Chennai's airport crackled with excitement as history-making teen Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made his triumphant return home.

The 17-year-old chess prodigy had just clinched the title of the youngest challenger to the world chess championship after a stunning victory at the prestigious Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto.

Gukesh greeted by fans at Chennai Airport

Greeted by a throng of adoring fans, Gukesh's homecoming was nothing short of spectacular. Hundreds of students from Velammal Vidyalaya, where Gukesh is a student, eagerly awaited his arrival, lining up at the airport long before his flight touched down.

As anticipation mounted, a sizable crowd of supporters gathered around the arrival gate, eagerly anticipating the moment they would catch a glimpse of their chess prodigy.

Emerging from the terminal at the early hour of 3 am, Gukesh was met with a wave of cheers and applause. Garlands were quickly draped around his neck as jubilant supporters clamoured to catch a glimpse of the young champion. Amidst the excitement, police officers worked diligently to ensure his safe passage through the crowd.

Gukesh elated with 'special achievement'

Speaking to the media amidst the frenzy, Gukesh expressed his joy and gratitude for the warm reception. "I feel very happy for this homecoming," he remarked, "this is a special achievement." Reflecting on his journey to victory, Gukesh credited his confidence, luck, and the unwavering support of his family, school, and sponsors for his success.

Among those eagerly awaiting his return was Gukesh's mother, Padma, a microbiologist, whose pride in her son's accomplishments was evident as they shared a heartfelt embrace. Gukesh's father, Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon who had put his practice on hold to support his son's chess aspirations, had accompanied him to Toronto for the tournament.

Gukesh's historic win at the Candidates Tournament not only secured his place in chess history but also earned him accolades from legends like Garry Kasparov, who hailed his performance as "the Indian earthquake in Toronto." With his sights set on the world championship, Gukesh is poised to face reigning champion Ding Liren of China in the coming months, a clash that promises to captivate the chess world.

Already a trailblazer in the world of chess, Gukesh made headlines when he became India's youngest Grandmaster at just 12 years old. With an impressive FIDE rating and a string of notable achievements to his name, including a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, Gukesh's star continues to rise, cementing his status as one of India's brightest chess talents.

As Gukesh basks in the glow of his latest triumph, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring chess players everywhere, proving that with determination, talent, and unwavering support, anything is possible on the chessboard.