India’s Bristy Mukherjee touched Magnus Carlsen’s feet© X (Twitter)
Rich in tradition, sporting events in India continue to produce stories that transcend all boundaries. As world number. 1 Magnus Carlsen was about to hand over the winner’s trophy to India’s Bristy Mukherjee in Kolkata, when a stunning incident occurred. Mukherjee, who won the All India Women Rapid Event (Event B) at the Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024 with a score of 7/7, touched the feet of the Norwegian chess legend before receiving the coveted trophy. Carlsen couldn’t believe his eyes as the Indian’s gesture brought a big smile to his face.
Bristy Mukherjee, who won the All India Women Rapid Event (Event B) at the Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024, did not miss the opportunity to seek the blessings of Carlsen, a legend of the game. She had done the same after meeting Vishwanathan Anand, who was also present at the closing ceremony.
After being called to accept her trophy, Mukherjee first touched Anand’s feet before walking towards Carlsen. The smile on Magnus’ face confirmed the emotions that ran through the Norwegian’s heart, in response to the 20-year-old Indian’s gesture.
Mukherjee first shook Carlsen’s hand and then touched his feet, inviting fans present at the venue to applaud. Here is the video:
#tsci2024 #TSCI #tatasteelchessindia #chess #indianchess #calcutta #womenthumbs #chessmasters #chessfestival pic.twitter.com/OwkycSsrDc
– Tata Steel Chess India (@tschessindia) November 17, 2024
“It was definitely a fun experience playing (in Calcutta). It never really fit into my schedule over the last few years. But it’s really good to come back and play against these kids on Indian soil. I’m happy to still be able to play oh well,” Carlsen said at the event.
Knowing that Magnus Carlsen would be present at the event, hundreds of chess fans queued up at Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium to get a glimpse of the global icon. Many fans even decided to watch the matches on stage, sitting on the stairs of the auditorium.
Carlsen was even mobbed by fans as he attempted to leave the arena after his two tournament victories.
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