D Gukesh, the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, fearlessly took on his phobia of heights by bungee jumping in Singapore. This bold adventure was a promise he made to his coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, before his monumental victory over China’s Ding Liren in the Chess World Championship Final.
Sharing the exciting moment on December 16, Gukesh recounted the story of how Gajewski playfully challenged him during a beach walk on the penultimate rest day. “Gaje spotted two people bungee jumping and told me he’d do it if I won. Despite my fear of heights, I jokingly agreed to join him,” Gukesh had explained.
Upon returning to Chennai, the 18-year-old prodigy was welcomed like a hero. Thousands of enthusiastic supporters, officials from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), and students from Velammal Vidyalaya—a renowned chess training hub—gathered at the airport to cheer for him.
Graciously addressing the crowd, Gukesh expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love. “I can feel how much this victory means to India. Your energy inspires me,” he said.
To honor his achievement, a customized car with Gukesh’s images and the tagline “18 at 18” escorted him home. This victory made him the 18th undisputed world chess champion, breaking Garry Kasparov’s record.
Gukesh’s inspiring journey reminds us that courage—on the chessboard and beyond—knows no bounds.
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