School kids, mad media scrum and chants of 'Gukesh'

Returning from his victory at the Candidates, Gukesh received a celebratory welcome at the Chennai airport in the wee hours on Thursday

-  SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

THE international arrivals and departure lounge can be a very emotional place. At 3.00 AM on Thursday, those emotions were front and centre as the city welcomed D Gukesh, who had won the Candidates earlier this week in Toronto. Just before the 17-year-old addressed the media in a chaotic press conference, he sought out his mother, Padma, who hugged and kissed him. A very proud son returned the compliment before addressing hordes of media persons in the wee hours.

All India Chess Federation treasurer, Dharmendra Kumar, chess enthusiasts, Sports Development of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) officials and some 100 school students were all part of the reception for the chess teen. At 1.30 AM, the arrivals lounge wore a slightly deserted look but 30 minutes later, the first signs of hospitality had made its presence felt. Students of various classes, complete with balloons and Gukesh masks, formed an orderly queue. Nearby, Bharat Singh Chauhan, a veteran chess administrator, and Kumar were waiting to go inside the terminal to welcome Gukesh.