India makes history with Gukesh Dommaraju becoming the youngest World Chess Champion in 2024. The 18-year-old inspired the upcoming generation who wants to explore the chess world and bring more limelight to the Indian chess scene.
Gukesh was awarded by M. K. Stalin, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, for his achievement at the World Chess Forum with a check of a whopping 5 crores. Tamil Nadu CM lauded Gukesh on his feat as a chess champion, saying, “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.”
During his speech, he also announced the establishment of a chess academy in the state to encourage more chess players in the country. He said, “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.”
M. K. Stalin invited Gukesh’s parents on the stage to receive the check alongside Gukesh. His parents are equal participants in the feat of achieving the World Chess Championship, and his father left his job to support his son in his chess journey across the globe.
So, an appropriate act of appreciation for Gukesh’s win alongside his parents marked the occasion of this state felicitation. CM encouraged youth to take up chess and build on their skill in the future, taking inspiration from D. Gukesh, “So, take him as your inspiration and achieve. We should create lakhs of Gukeshes.”
Further, he added, “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.”
