AICF Congratulates Gukesh Dommaraju on Becoming Youngest World Chess Champion
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is celebrating the historic victory of Gukesh Dommaraju, the youngest world chess champion, who defeated China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling 14-match showdown in Singapore. At just 18 years old, Gukesh has become only the second Indian to claim the prestigious world title, following in the footsteps of five-time champion Viswanathan Anand.
In recognition of his remarkable achievement, AICF has awarded Gukesh with a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, along with Rs 50 lakh for his support team. The federation has also extended its congratulations to Koneru Humpy, India’s top women’s chess player, for her recent victory at the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championships, marking her second win in the event.
Koneru Humpy received a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh for her triumph, while R Vaishali Rameshbabu, who secured the Bronze medal in the women’s section of the 2024 FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship, was awarded Rs 20 lakh. These victories highlight the growing dominance of Indian Grandmasters in the world of chess, with Indian players achieving significant success on the global stage.
Nitin Narang, President of AICF, commended Gukesh for his outstanding performance, praising his determination and perseverance in becoming the youngest world champion. Gukesh expressed his gratitude for the support received from fans, media, and the federation, looking forward to further success in 2025.
Similarly, Koneru Humpy thanked AICF for recognizing her talent and hard work, emphasizing the potential for Indian chess players to excel on the international stage. With a focus on nurturing young talent and promoting the sport, AICF aims to continue supporting and encouraging the growth of chess in India.
The achievements of Gukesh, Koneru Humpy, and other Indian Grandmasters in 2024 have set the stage for a promising future for Indian chess, with hopes of more success and medals in the years to come. As the chess community celebrates these remarkable victories, the spotlight shines on the bright future of Indian chess on the global stage.