India’s chess heroes return home amid fanfare

D Gukesh with his medals at Chennai airport yesterday. Pic/PTI

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 on Tuesday.

The quartet of 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, 18, 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. He 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.

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

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