Chess
Both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh claim Gukesh as their own
Even as the two states spar over the champion, the teenager carries the Indian flag at victory ceremonies.
Both Stalin and Naidu was quick to post congratulatory messages of social media. (File Photo)
Eighteen-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju made history in Singapore on Thursday by becoming the youngest ever World Chess Champion.
And as the congratulatory messages began to appear on the social media, a rather unique instance began to surface - the origin of Gukesh.
The states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are now claiming the chess prodigy as their own, with leaders from each state congratulating him and taking pride in his achievement.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took to X at 7.25 pm on Thursday and congratulated Gukesh.
"Your remarkable achievement helps Chennai reaffirm its place as the global Chess Capital by producing yet another champion Tamil Nadu is proud of you," the DMK leader posted.
Just minutes later, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, seized the moment with a message of his own while calling Gukesh a “Telugu boy” and expressing pride in his success.
The origins of Gukesh Dommaraju
Gukesh’s origins have been a matter of conversation since the player hit the big league.
The teenager was born in Chennai but his parent are originally from the Godavari delta region of Andhra Pradesh.
His father, Rajinikanth, is an ENT surgeon while his mother, Padma, is a microbiologist.
Gukesh was raised in Chennai and went to the Velammal Vidyalaya school, now famous for producing world class chess players.
Regardless of where the teenager's allegiance might lie, young Gukesh’s victory remains a proud moment for the nation.
