Eighteen-year-old chess prodigy D Gukesh was honoured by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and other officials at a government-organised event in Chennai on Tuesday.
The state government awarded Gukesh a cheque for Rs 5 crore and a shawl.
The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of a Home of Chess Academy. This initiative, spearheaded by the state sports department, aims to nurture chess talent and develop future champions within Tamil Nadu.
“Tamil Nadu has a history of producing 31 chess grandmasters out of 85 in India. This felicitation is not only for Gukesh but also for all achievers. A Home of Chess Academy will be established to encourage talent and groom achievers,” the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister Stalin commended Gukesh’s remarkable achievement at such a young age.
“I laud our Gukesh for becoming the world chess champion at the young age of 18. Our Chennai lad has set a record, and the entire world is appreciating him,” Stalin said.
Gukesh’s parents were invited on stage to receive the cheque from the Chief Minister.
Stalin highlighted Gukesh’s rapid progression in the world of chess, becoming a grandmaster at 12 and a world champion at 18.
“So, take him as your inspiration and achieve. We should create lakhs of Gukeshes,” Stalin added.
The Chief Minister emphasised the DMK’s ongoing commitment to supporting and recognising sportspersons’ achievements. He drew a parallel between felicitating Gukesh and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s recognition of five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand.
Stalin used the game of chess as an analogy for life, emphasising the importance of strategic sacrifices for greater gains.
“Chess is a mind game. Sometimes we have to sacrifice the queen to win. So, to win in life, we should be prepared to make sacrifices. But if you play carefully, the soldier can become as powerful as the queen. So, what is required to win in life is patience and determination,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed the value of participation in competitions, stating that taking part itself constitutes success. He encouraged the youth to embrace competition and strive to prove their abilities.
“Gukesh will inspire you. Hard work leads to achievements. Let every ‘check’ in life be a lesson. Make use of opportunities and strive to win laurels,” Stalin said, appealing to youngsters to excel both in education and sports.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed his and the government’s immense pride in Gukesh’s accomplishment.
“Tamil Nadu itself is celebrating his achievement today,” he said.
He emphasised Gukesh’s significance as a source of pride for both Tamil Nadu and India.
Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated the strong association between Chennai and chess, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a chess hub.
“His achievement confirmed that chess means Chennai. This is a great achievement,” Udhayanidhi added.
Gukesh acknowledged the Tamil Nadu government’s unwavering support throughout his chess journey.
“I have fulfilled my dream by winning the World Chess Championship title at a young age. This makes me happy. I express my gratitude to Chief Minister sir and Udhaya Anna (elder brother) for their support, including financial assistance and encouragement,” he said.
Gukesh also expressed his admiration for Viswanathan Anand, citing him as a source of inspiration and a role model.
“Vishy sir, too, was the inspiration and role model in this journey,” added Gukesh, who arrived at the venue in a car procession, holding the trophy in his hands. He was welcomed by students lined up on either side of the road holding the national flag.
Gukesh presented the Chief Minister with his winning trophy and a chessboard.
Gukesh returned to India on Monday, fresh from his victory in Singapore. The young grandmaster defeated China’s Ding Liren with a score of 7.5–6.5 last week. This victory cemented his place in history as the youngest world chess champion.
