Last Updated:
World champion D Gukesh feels that inclusion in Olympics will take chess to a next level.
D Gukesh on Friday was bestowed with the Khel Ratna award. (PTI Photo)
Having created history last month by becoming the youngest ever world chess champion, D Gukesh now wants to see his sport being included in the Olympics. Gukesh defeated Ding Liren of China in December to become the champion at the age of 18.
The teenager was felicitated by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) recently in the national capital for his achievement.
“I would love to see chess being part of the Olympics, especially if it’s in India,” Gukesh told reporters on Thursday. “I think chess has been getting a lot of popularity and a lot of support. I’m really happy for it, and the Olympics will take it to the next level. Really looking forward to it.”
On Friday, Gukesh was bestowed with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna by President Droupadi Murmu during the National Sports Awards ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Gukesh is just the second chess player after Viswanathan Anand to be awarded the Khel Ratna.
“I am really honoured to get the prestigious award and it’s really special that I am the second chess player after Vishi Anand sir (Viswanathan Anand) to be awarded the Khel Ratna,” Gukesh said.
“It’s a dream come-come-true moment for me. But it is not the end of the road as I want to achieve many more laurels for the country,” he added.
Besides winning the world championship, Gukesh was also part of India’s men team that won the gold medal at the Chess Olympiad last year.
The AICF announced an award of Rs one crore for Gukesh.
The federation also recognised the effort of Gukesh’s support staff that helped him prepare for the event by giving Rs 50 lakh to his team.
Gukesh will take part in the Tata Steel Chess tournament in the Netherlands from Saturday where he will face Anish Giri in the opening round.
[ad_2]
Source link
