Chess Prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju Gifted Car at Spectacular School Celebration

Velammal Vidyalaya in Chennai pulled out all the stops to celebrate their chess prodigy, Gukesh Dommaraju, who was gifted a luxurious car worth over $60,000 at a spectacular event on Saturday. The 18-year-old world championship challenger was honored for his remarkable achievements, including winning the Candidates 2024 and securing a spot in the upcoming World Championship match against GM Ding Liren.

The school, part of the Velammal network in Tamil Nadu, has been a breeding ground for chess talent, with Gukesh following in the footsteps of grandmaster siblings Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu. Gukesh fondly recalled his early days at the school, where he first discovered his passion for chess.

The highlight of the celebration was Gukesh being presented with the keys to an E-Class Mercedes-Benz, his first car. Despite not being able to drive it yet, Gukesh expressed his excitement and motivation to learn quickly. The gift of a car has become a trend among young chess players, with previous recipients going on to achieve great success in the game.

As Gukesh gears up for his World Championship match in Singapore, he remains focused on his preparations and is grateful for the support he has received. Fans can catch him in action at the upcoming Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis and the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest. With his determination and talent, Gukesh is poised to make India proud on the international chess stage.