Watch: World chess champion D Gukesh receives hero's welcome at Chennai airport

CHENNAI: Newly-crowned world chess champion D Gukesh arrived to a hero's welcome at the Chennai International Airport on Monday.

Gukesh, who defeated Ding Liren in Singapore on Thursday to become the youngest world champion, was garlanded and handed a bouquet. People came out in droves and turned up at the venue about an hour before his arrival.
Officials from the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) were present, while SDAT athletes were also in attendance.

Students from the Velammal Group, where Gukesh is pursuing his education, thronged the airport terminal holding placards that read 'Congratulations Gukesh'.

When the teenage sensation made his way to the terminal, chants of 'Gukesh, Gukesh, Gukesh' erupted in the crowd. Among them was a fan who cycled all the way from Belgaum to catch a glimpse of the celebration.

Another fan was seen holding a huge photo frame with all the world champions in it, Gukesh understandably at the centre of it. After soaking in all the adulation for about 10 minutes, Gukesh left for a celebratory event at Velammal.

Addressing the media, Gukesh confirmed that he will not compete at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York later this month. "I will not be playing in it," said Gukesh.

Talking about the blunder that Ding committed in the 14th and last game of the WCC, which handed the Indian the crown, Gukesh said: "If you play at such a high level and with such high intensity... you are playing the final game of the World Championship, mistakes can happen."

Gukesh also thanked his trainer and seconds for putting in the hard yards behind the scenes and helping him reach chess' summit.