Chess stars receive grand welcome after historic wins

Flashing radiant smiles after their history-making gold at the Olympiad, members of India’s trailblazing chess teams returned to an enthusiastic welcome from fans, officials and their families here today. D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, R Vaishali and men’s team captain Srinath Narayanan landed here early this morning.

Both the Indian men’s and women’s teams scripted history on Sunday, winning their maiden gold medals in the Chess Olympiad in Hungary. Their extraordinary victory reinforced India’s position as a new chess powerhouse. And as was expected, there were loud cheers as the four walked out of the airport.

Gukesh, who was instrumental in Indian men’s team dominance in the tournament with an unbeaten run, flashed his individual and team gold medals for the cameras. The 18-year-old is now gearing up for the World Championship clash against China’s Ding Liren in November after becoming the youngest ever challenger to the crown by winning the Candidates Tournament in April.

“It’s very special, since both the teams won the gold,” Gukesh said.

The brother-sister duo of Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali reached in the before Gukesh. All of them were welcomed with garlands, bouquets and traditional stoles as fans scampered to click selfies with them.

“I’m very happy that we have won the Olympiad for the first time. And we managed to win in both sections so it’s a very special feeling and a proud moment for us,” Praggnanandhaa said.

“We were playing good chess and it showed that we were the best team. The Olympiad is the only tournament we play as a team for the country,” he added.

Vaishali, who laid the foundation for the women’s team’s triumph, said missing out on the gold in the last edition in Chennai was painful.

“It’s a dream moment. Last time in the Chennai Olympiad we won bronze, we were so close to winning gold, we missed it in the last round and it was very painful. I’m glad that both teams have won gold. It’s a historical moment,” she said.