The coronation of King Gukesh

The coronation of King Gukesh

The Indian flag wrapped over his shoulders, D. Gukesh walked up to the stage. It was set up just a few yards away from where he had been sitting on a big gaming chair, behind a glass wall, for the past three weeks, fighting the battle of his life.

He was presented with the medal and was also garlanded.

Then that moment arrived.

FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich handed over to Gukesh the World championship trophy. He took a close look at it — he had; he had been dreaming of it every day — he smiled at the cheering audience, and posed for the cameras.

Then came his acceptance speech.

After thanking the organisers and the Singaporeans, he looked at Ding Liren, his opponent and the World chess champion till a day ago, and said, “I admire you, and thank you for this amazing fight.”

Editorial | ​A legend, made: On D. Gukesh, the world’s youngest chess champion