MUMBAI: "Peeche chalo, peeche chalo," (go back), the security official outside the Chennai International Airport arrival terminal kept shouting on Monday morning. From an order, it became more and more of a plea, but the hundreds gathered there were in no mood to take a step back.
After all, they were all gathered to celebrate the end of a 11-year wait to welcome Gukesh Dommaraju, the newest chess world champion.
For Chennai, this world title has huge significance. It was in this chess-loving city that their own five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand had in 2013 lost his World Championship Match to Magnus Carlsen.
India had been waiting since then to regain the title. That wait ended last Thursday when Gukesh beat China's Ding Liren in the World Championship Match in Singapore, becoming the youngest ever player to wear the crown, and only the second Indian to win the title, after Anand.
The reception upon his return home reflected that joy of the long wait having ended.
Amidst wild cheering by the crowd, Gukesh stepped out of the arrival gate and journalists, fans and security officials alike surged forward to meet the 18-year-old who left Chennai as the challenger to the throne and returned as the king.
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times Haryana dergisinin December 17, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times Haryana dergisinin December 17, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Now, becoming the best player in the world is what I care about most
What must it be like to fulfil your life's greatest dream at 18? It's been less than a week since Gukesh D became world champion, beating China's Ding Liren, and the Indian teen is still wrapping his head around this delightful predicament.
Oppn mounts attack on BJP, calls for action over remarks
Members of the INDIA bloc on Wednesday set aside differences to come together and attack the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over Union home minister Amit Shah's comment referring to Dr BR Ambedkar, jamming Parliament and holding protests.
India stresses on peace in key meet after thaw
India on Wednesday emphasised the need for a \"mutually acceptable framework\" for settling the boundary issue with China as talks between Special Representatives of the two sides focused on cross-border cooperation, such as resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade.
Modi, Shah hit back in raging Ambedkar row
Political slugfest intensifies
Govt to move motion to form JPC on ONOP bills
The Union government will formally move a motion in the Lok Sabha on Thursday to constitute a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on two bills that aim to usher in simultaneous national and state elections, and propose the names of 21 MPs of the Lower House as members.
Caught Rahane, bowled Ashwin
Given a choice, R Ashwin would have liked to have Ajinkya Rahane permanently at slips for his bowling, such was their combination.
INDIA-PAK CLASH TO KICK OFF KHO KHO WORLD CUP
A total of 24 nations, including Pakistan, are expected to participate in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup here next month with Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) planning to take the indigenous sport to new territories, KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal said on Wednesday.
Unbreakable Santosh back to rallying with an eye on Dakar
Astride a rally spec of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, CS Santosh was riding through the dirt on the banks of the Egidillo river in Spain when memories of him flying through the dunes at the Dakar Rally flashed across his mind.
Nissan, Honda may gain in India from potential merger
MERGER COULD ALIGN THE FIRMS' ELECTRIFICATION AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATION
Donald Trump threatens to impose reciprocal tax on India
US President-elect Donald Trump has said that India charges \"a lot\" of tariff, reiterating his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs in retaliation for what New Delhi will impose on the import of certain American products.
