Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has been enjoying an extended break since being crowned the youngest world champion in chess history. Following his victory over Chinese GM Ding Liren in Singapore last month, the 18-year-old chess sensation has been meeting dignitaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth, and even filmed a hilarious advertisement with chess legend and mentor Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh has also been honoured at various felicitation events during his month-long break, the latest of which was in New Delhi on Thursday where the All India Chess Federation (AICF) honoured him as well as well as Koneru Humpy, who was crowned champion in the women's rapid event at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York City recently.
Gukesh and Koneru received cash rewards of Rs 1 crore and Rs 50 lakh respectively from the governing body for chess in India.
Gukesh, who had earlier received a Rs 5 crore cash prize from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin after becoming only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to be crowned world champion, looked forward to an "even better 2025" at the event.
"2024 was a big year for Chess. We received a lot of support from fans, media and the federation. We achieved several laurels and with the continuous support, we will see many players take up chess and grow it with more medals. I am sure 2025 will be even better," said Gukesh, who returns to action at the Tata Steel Chess in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands starting Friday.
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