D Gukesh Supports Chess in the Olympics
Indian chess star D Gukesh has expressed his strong desire to see chess included in the Olympic Games, believing it would take the sport to new heights. Gukesh, considered one of the brightest young talents in chess today, shared his thoughts on the growing popularity of the game and its place in the future of the Olympics.
Gukesh made his remarks during an event organized by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) on January 16. At the event, Gukesh and fellow chess champion Koneru Humpy were honored for their achievements. Last year, Gukesh made headlines as the youngest world champion at just 18 years old after defeating Ding Liren in Singapore.
“I would love to see chess in the Olympics, especially if it happens in India. Chess is gaining a lot of popularity and support, and being in the Olympics would boost it even more. I’m really excited about this possibility,” Gukesh stated, as reported by PTI.
He also reflected on his recent achievements, saying, “We were all celebrating, but now I’m focused on my next tournament. The attention chess is getting right now is great.”
Gukesh is set to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award on Friday but is currently focused on competing at the Tata Chess tournament at Wijk Aan Zee in the Netherlands, where he will play his first match on Saturday.
“Right now, I am looking forward to the Wijk Aan Zee Tata Steel Masters in a couple of days, and there are many exciting tournaments ahead,” he added.
In recognition of his remarkable achievement as the youngest Grandmaster to win the world title, the AICF has rewarded Gukesh with Rs 1 crore. Humpy was awarded Rs 50 lakh for her significant accomplishments, while R Vaishali received Rs 20 lakh after winning a bronze medal at the World Blitz Championship in New York.
