Indian chess player Dommaraju Gukesh received a rousing welcome at the Chennai International Airport on Thursday morning following his victory in the FIDE Candidates 2024.

At the Chennai airport, the 17-year-old chess player was welcomed with garlands from fans. Several people had also gathered at the airport to receive the Indian Chess prodigy.

In a press conference after reaching Chennai, the young chess player termed his win at the FIDE Candidates ‘special’. Gukesh added that he is currently waiting for the World Championship.

In round 14 of the FIDE Candidates, Gukesh used black pieces to hold rival championship contender Hikaru Nakamura to a draw and secure his victory.

Earlier, speaking to ANI, Gukesh said he is now aiming to shine at the World Championships. “My next goal is to make it big at the World Championship. I am just planning to do my absolute best and try to do the right things. And be in the ideal shape required to play good chess. And I hope things will go my way,” Gukesh said.

Gukesh expressed that he wanted to challenge the current champion Ding Liren, saying it has always been his aim to win the crown.

Gukesh became only the second Indian player to win the Candidates tournament, after Viswanathan Anand. Five-time world champion Anand’s victory came in 2014.

(Input from ANI)