In a remarkable display of bravery and commitment, the newly crowned World Chess Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, lived up to a promise he made to himself and his coach by bungee jumping in Singapore before returning to India.

While the bungee jump was a thrilling experience, it paled in comparison to the electrifying welcome he received upon landing in Chennai. The cheers and adulation from fans and media alike transformed his homecoming into an unforgettable event, contrasting with the more subdued return of GM Ding Liren to Hangzhou, China.

Leap of Faith: Gukesh’s Bungee Adventure

Prior to his departure from Singapore, Gukesh, who had just emerged victorious in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, fulfilled a promise made during a leisurely walk on the beach with his coach, GM Grzegorz Gajewski.

Initially hesitant due to his fear of heights, Gukesh joined Gajewski in taking the plunge off the stunning Skypark Sentosa, where he bravely climbed 47 meters before jumping into the abyss.

"It was terrifying!" he admitted, but the thrill of the jump was a fitting prelude to his heroic return to India.

A Hero's Welcome in Chennai

As Gukesh arrived at Chennai Airport, the atmosphere was electric. An enthusiastic crowd of fans and media swarmed to catch a glimpse of their champion.

"I’m very glad to be here and I could see the support and what it means to India!" he shouted over the roar of cheers. His gratitude was palpable as he addressed the crowd, saying, "You guys are amazing! You gave me so much energy."

Navigating through the throngs of admirers was no simple task, but Gukesh managed to find a moment to express his deep appreciation for the support he received throughout his journey.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Shortly after his arrival at the airport, Gukesh held a press conference at his former school, speaking primarily in Tamil with some sections in English.

He articulated his long-term goal of becoming the best chess player in the world. "This is just the beginning; winning the world championship is an important step toward that dream," he reflected.

The young prodigy acknowledged the plethora of strong competitors in the field, especially figures like Magnus Carlsen, who motivate him to strive for greater heights in his chess career.

Gukesh's newfound celebrity status may present its own challenges, but he remains focused on enjoying the game he loves and nurturing a long, successful career.

Ding Liren's Modest Return

In contrast to Gukesh's grand reception, GM Ding Liren's return to Hangzhou was more low-key, albeit warmly welcomed.

Among those greeting him was the young talent Chen Zhihan, who recently secured the title of World Under-8 Girls Champion. Their moment together offers a glimpse into the bright future of chess, with both players inspiring a new generation.

As the chess world turns its eyes toward Oslo, Norway, for the upcoming Champions Chess Tour Finals featuring elites like Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja, Gukesh's homecoming serves as a reminder of the passion and support that surrounds this incredible sport.

Stay tuned as we follow Gukesh’s journey and his path toward a promising future in chess!