World chess champion Gukesh receives a hero’s welcome in Chennai amid chaos and hysteria

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation at the T2 international arrival gate of the Chennai airport.

Fans adjusted their banners and flags, media crews tweaked their cameras, and the crowd paced anxiously, all waiting to welcome their hero, D. Gukesh.

The chess prodigy, who had etched his name in history as the youngest world chess champion after dethroning China’s Ding Liren in a grueling 14-game match in Singapore, was returning home to a welcome of heroes.

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Around 7:30 a.m., people had started queuing up to catch a glimpse of Gukesh. Around 10:30 a.m., excitement was in the air.

But the long wait finally paid off when the young champion finally emerged, adorned with a crown, a huge garland and wrapped in the Indian flag, proudly holding the gleaming World Championship trophy.

While the return appeared to be going smoothly, chaos erupted, echoing the overwhelming and borderline intrusive reception that Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa had experienced after their historic triumphs as candidates and in the World Cup. History, it seemed, was repeating itself.

The combined efforts of the airport management, local police, members of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) were not enough to control the frenzied crowd , eager to see their hero. The local press, known for pushing the boundaries to capture a sound bite or photo, only made matters worse.

At first glance, the place looked like a stampede. People rushed in all directions, with bracelets, slippers and shoes strewn across the floor – tangible evidence of total chaos, with no one seemingly in control.

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Despite the chaos, Gukesh graciously responded to all requests for autographs and selfies, embodying patience and humility.

As chaos reigned, a striking image emerged: Gukesh’s father, Dr Rajnikanth, desperately trying to help his son but unable to overcome the turmoil.

Amidst the hysteria, the story also had a heartwarming side as hundreds of fans gathered to show their love and admiration for Gukesh. Among them was SDAT athletics coach Gomathi, who led a group of 30 boys and almost as many girls from various sports disciplines under the SDAT banner.

“We are extremely proud of Gukesh’s achievement. He not only won the World Championship, he also became the youngest person to do so. It’s like one of our own dreams has come true. This victory is very personal,” said Gomathi, reflecting on this historic moment.

Gomathi, athletics coach at SDAT. | Photo credit: NIGAMANTH P.

She added, “Today we are celebrating a Gukesh, but I hope to see many more Gukesh in the future. This victory can serve as a springboard.

Rahul Kamble from Karnataka traveled nearly 850 kilometers from Belgaum to Chennai to see his champion.

“I came here to meet Gukesh. He shook my hand and that moment was worth everything. I have been cycling on the road since November 25, to support Gukesh. Along the way, I visited several chess academies. My dream is to take a photo with Gukesh and my bike. From there, I plan to travel across Tamil Nadu,” said Rahul, whose trip happened alongside Gukesh’s World Championship campaign.

A chess coach at a private school in his hometown, Rahul’s commitment to his career cost him his job. His school administration refused him permission to do his bike ride, but he decided to stop and pursue it anyway.

“I traveled north to Goa and then to Mumbai during the contestants tournament, and Gukesh won it. A friend told me that I should continue my journey to bring good luck to Gukesh, so I quit my job. I hope I get the chance to tell him my story.