D Gukesh receives grand welcome in Chennai after World Chess Championship win

In a significant accomplishment for India, D Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion on December 12, 2024, after a thrilling 14-game match against China's Ding Liren. This landmark victory at the FIDE World Chess Championship took place after multiple games ended in draws, highlighting the intense competition. Gukesh secured the championship title by successfully capitalizing on a mistake made by Liren in the decisive game, demonstrating his exceptional tactical skills and keen understanding of the game. Upon winning, Gukesh was overwhelmed with emotion, evidenced by his tears as he celebrated the victory alongside his father and coach. In a post-match interview, Gukesh recalled a promise made by his coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, who had vowed to go bungee jumping with him if he won the championship. True to his word, Gukesh jumped off at Skypark Sentosa in Singapore, sharing his exhilaration through a video on social media, which captured him enthusiastically proclaiming, 'I'm a world champion.' His return to India on December 16, 2024, was met with an enthusiastic welcome at the Chennai airport, where numerous fans gathered to celebrate his incredible achievement. Gukesh visited his former school, Velammal Nexus, which is known for cultivating chess talents, and was honored there along with his parents. This moment marked a significant celebration of not just his individual success but also the recognition of chess in India. The Tamil Nadu government recognized Gukesh's accomplishment by announcing a cash prize of ₹5 crore, while his victory also earned him a total of ₹11.67 crore in prize money from the championship. Looking ahead, Gukesh is set to face the reigning world number one, Magnus Carlsen, in a high-stakes match scheduled for May 26 to June 6, 2025, in Stavanger, Norway. This upcoming encounter promises to be another monumental challenge in Gukesh's promising chess career.