Candidates champion D Gukesh comes home to rousing welcome in Chennai
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh was swamped by fans as he returned to the country here on Thursday after becoming the youngest challenger to the world title by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. Hundreds of students from the Velammal Vidyalaya, the school where Gukesh studies, lined up at the airport at least one hour before his flight landed to greet their 17-year-old fellow student. A sizeable general crowd also built up as his arrival time drew closer and the area around the arrival gate was jam-packed in no time.
The youngster walked out at around 3am and he was immediately flanked by the jubilant mass. In no time, he had garlands around his neck even as the police jostled to escort him out safely.
«I feel very happy for this homecoming, this is a special achievement. I was in a good space since the beginning of the tournament, I had full confidence that I will emerge top in this tournament and luck was on my side as well,» Gukesh said while talking to the media at the airport.
«It's good to see so many people enjoy chess...I thank the Tamil Nadu government. I thank my Appa, Amma, coach, friends, family, sponsor and my school for being alongside me and playing an amazing role in helping me win this tournament,» he added.
On Monday, Gukesh became the first Indian after the great Viswanathan Anand to win the Candidates Tournament, which is held specifically to decide the challenger for the reigning world champion.
He became the youngest ever challenger for the title, bettering the record created
