“Gukesh Dommaraju Welcomed Back to Chennai as Hero After Winning 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament”

GM Gukesh Dommaraju, the winner of the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament, received a hero’s welcome as he arrived back in Chennai in the early hours of Thursday morning. The 17-year-old chess prodigy was greeted by camera crews, well-wishers, and a group of 80 schoolchildren who had gathered to welcome back one of their own.

Accompanied by his father Rajinikanth, Gukesh was soon reunited with his mother Padma, in a heartwarming moment captured by the media. The young chess champion was showered with garlands and interviewed before he could even leave the airport.

Gukesh expressed his confidence in his upcoming world championship match against GM Ding Liren, stating, “I have full belief that I can beat him.” The All Indian Chess Federation has revealed plans to hold the match in India, with discussions underway with FIDE to finalize the details.

With thoughts already turning to the world championship match, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky mentioned that the event is scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 15. The possibility of hosting the match in India has sparked excitement among chess enthusiasts, with Tamil Nadu, Telanga, and Andhra Pradesh being considered as potential venues.

Despite the whirlwind of attention and accolades, Gukesh remains focused on his next challenge, the 2024 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland tournament in Warsaw, where he will face off against world number-one Magnus Carlsen and other top players.

As the chess world eagerly awaits the showdown between Gukesh and Ding Liren, the young Indian grandmaster is determined to stay grounded and prepare diligently for the match ahead. With his unwavering confidence and support from his family, team, and fans, Gukesh is poised to make his mark on the world stage once again.