Gukesh tells Ding Liren at closing ceremony: ‘I really admire you… thank you for this amazing fight’ | Chess News

D Gukesh, the youngest ever chess world champion who created hory after defeating defending champion Ding Liren, was ever his graceful self when he was presented with the trophy in the closing ceremony on Friday.
“I mean this moment, it feels like I have lived it a million times. Every morning when I woke up, this moment was the reason I woke up. To hold this trophy and this reality means more than anything else in my life,” the teenager said in his acceptance speech after being presented with his gold medal and the trophy that came with a USD 1.3 million reward.
He also showered praises on opponent Ding, calling him a ‘true champion’ and said that he admired him.

This journey has been beautiful because of the people around me. I would also love to thank my opponent, Ding Liren. He is in my eyes a true champion and we saw that despite a lot of pressure on him, he was able to put on a huge fight and this match has been just the show it is because of his fighting spirit. I really admire you,” Gukesh said.
The last 24 hours have been like a blur for the champion who experienced a range of emotions after beating Liren in Game 14.
Along with the trophy, Tamil Nadu Chief Miner MK Stalin also announced a reward of Rs 5 crore for Gukesh, who became only the second Indian to clinch the World Chess championship crown after the iconic Viswanathan Anand.

“To honour the monumental achievement of @DGukesh, the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, I am delighted to announce a cash prize of ?5 crore! His horic victory has brought immense pride and joy to the nation. May he continue to shine and achieve greater heights in the future,” Stalin said in a tweet.

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