Gukesh Receives Mercedes-Benz by his school as 18th Birthday Gift
GM Gukesh Dommaraju was honored with a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz during a grand celebration at his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, in Chennai. The event, which included laser and drone shows, marked his 18th birthday and recognized his extraordinary achievements in chess.
GM Gukesh Dommaraju recently celebrated his 18th birthday in style, as his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, honored him with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, worth over $60,000. The spectacular event took place at the school’s Mel Ayanambakkam campus in Chennai and featured a dazzling laser and drone show, underlining the significance of Gukesh’s achievements both in chess and as a student of the institution.
Velammal Vidyalaya, part of a large network of private schools in Tamil Nadu with over 100,000 students, has been closely following Gukesh’s chess career. Though he had to leave regular classes to focus on his chess training, the school has continuously supported him, using his successes as a beacon of inspiration for other students. Gukesh, who was thrilled by the event, expressed his hope that some of the young students in attendance might be inspired to take up chess.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of an oversized key to the Mercedes-Benz, Gukesh’s first car. Overjoyed, he shared, “It was a pleasant surprise, to put it mildly. I was just super happy to see the car. It’s my first car, so it’s always special, and especially if it’s a Mercedes, it’s even more special!”
Although Gukesh is yet to pass his driving test, he revealed that he’s already begun learning and is now even more motivated to get his license. However, the upcoming World Championship match against GM Ding Liren looms larger on the horizon. Scheduled to take place in Singapore from November 20, this match is not only a test of Gukesh’s skills but also a moment of great anticipation for India, a country with a deep love for chess and high hopes for another world champion after Viswanathan Anand.
When asked about his preparations for the match, Gukesh remained focused yet reserved, saying, “I can’t reveal much right now, but the work is fun! Since the Candidates ended it’s been quite a while, and I’ve thought about a few things for the match. Me and my team are just trying to do our best, and hopefully, with everyone’s love and support, and our efforts, we’ll get a good outcome.”
This celebration at Velammal Vidyalaya not only highlighted the school’s support for Gukesh but also underscored the universal appeal of chess, which has brought together millions in India and around the world. As Gukesh prepares for the most significant match of his career, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation, ready to witness the emergence of a new chess champion.
