Newly crowned world chess champion D Gukesh is looking forward to the day when the sport will become part of the Olympic curriculum, which he says will take it to a completely different level not just in India but across the world.
The 18-year-old, who recently defeated China’s Ding Liren in Singapore to become the world champion, added on Thursday at a celebration organized by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) that he and world rapid chess champion Koneru Koneru Humpy finally won the world championship. After nearly a month of celebrations, he’s settled in and looking forward to the next game.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly advocated hosting the 2036 Olympics in India and Gukesh said it would be a dream come true if India could host a grand event and chess becomes part of the curriculum.
“I would like to see chess become part of the Olympics, especially in India. I think chess already has a lot of popularity and support. I’m very happy about it and the Olympics will take it to the next level. Really I’m looking forward to it,” Gukesh said at the event, where Hampi, who recently won his second world blitz championship in New York, was also congratulated.
AICF also announced an award of Rs. Gukesh received Rs 1 crore and became the youngest grandmaster ever to win the world title. In recognition of the efforts of the Gukesh support staff, the federation also donated Rs. Rs 50 lakh was provided to his team to help him prepare for the mega event.
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Hampi got Rs. New York World Blitz Championship bronze medalist R Vaishali received Rs 50 lakh in recognition of her efforts. 2 million.
As the seemingly never-ending celebrations now show signs of waning, the 18-year-old world champion said he will fly to Wijk Aan Zee in the Netherlands for the Tata Chess Elite Championship and play there on Saturday First game.
“We were all celebrating and then things basically settled down and I will play in the next tournament. The attention we are getting is very good for chess,” said Gukesh, who will play in his first tournament since winning the world title Contest.
Gukesh, who will receive the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from the President on Friday, said it was a “very special” moment.
“I am extremely honored to receive the Kyle Ratner Award and it is really special to be the second Indian chess player after Mr. Vesey to win this award,” Gukesh said.
While it’s nearly impossible to attend every event around the world, Gukesh said he can pick and choose his events.
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“I think it’s basically impossible to play in all tournaments, but I will try to play in as many tournaments as possible,” he said, adding that his focus was Tata Steel Chess in the Netherlands.
“Now I’m looking forward to playing the Wijk Aan Zee Tata Steel Masters in a few days and yes, there will be a lot of exciting races… looking forward to them.”
Asked if he was finding it difficult to balance things given his new status, Gukesh said, “It’s been a challenge.”
World No. 1 Norwegian chess player Magnus Carlsen has been disqualified from the World Rapid Chess draw for arriving in New York wearing jeans, shining a spotlight on the strict dress code the International Chess Federation (FIDE) wants to adhere to . Performed in its tournament.
When asked about his opinion, Gukesh said light-heartedly: “It depends on the occasion.” When asked about his preference, Gukesh, who was wearing a blazer and formal trousers, said: “That’s the answer.”
Success belongs to the country: Humpy
Hampi said all India’s success in chess over the past year belongs to the country.
“Chess has brought four gold medals to the country (in 2024). This congratulation is special because I know how difficult it is for a chess player (to reach this level),” Hampi said. She became the second woman to win the World Rapid Chess Championship twice after Chinese Chess Wenjun.
“I have been playing chess for more than 30 years. Although I have won several medals, this is the first time I have been congratulated by the federation in Delhi, so I thank them.
“Most of the time, we see cricket as a major sport but there is a lot of talent in our country. Young people need a little push to succeed,” she added.
