[Watch] "I am the World Champion" - D Gukesh shouts while Bungee Jumping after World Chess Championship 2024 victory
In a moment that perfectly captured his elation and sense of adventure, D Gukesh, the newly crowned World Chess Champion, shouted, “I am the World Champion” while bungee jumping from a height of 200 feet.
The thrilling escapade took place at Skypark Sentosa in Singapore, where Gukesh treated himself to some much-deserved adventure time after his historic victory at the World Chess Championship 2024.
The young chess prodigy arrived back in his hometown of Chennai on Tuesday, December 17, to a hero’s welcome. However, before returning to India, D Gukesh sought some adrenaline-pumping fun at the popular adventure-themed park.
In a viral video shared on social media, Gukesh can be seen preparing for the bungee jump from the towering platform. As he plummets from the height of 200 feet, the 18-year-old shouts with joy, “I am the World Champion!”
“Looking forward to jumping off a bridge!” - D Gukesh’s promise behind the bungee jump
Interestingly, D Gukesh’s adventure wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment decision. At the post-match press conference after defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China, Gukesh revealed an amusing story about a promise made with his coach, GM Grzegorz Gajewski, during one of the rest days.
“On the penultimate rest day, we went for a walk on the beach and we looked at this… I’m personally quite scared of heights, we both looked at the people who were trying bungee jumping, and Gaju said, ‘If you win this thing, I’m going to do bungee jumping!’ And then I don’t know why I said this, but I said I’ll also join you, so now… probably also Paddy [Upton] can join. Looking forward to jumping off a bridge!” D Gukesh said
The bungee jump video has only added to the charm of Gukesh’s personality. He etched his name into the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever at just 18 years.
The Indian prodigy broke the long-standing record of Garry Kasparov, who achieved the feat at 22 in 1985. Gukesh’s stunning victory over Ding Liren in the final match not only earned him the prestigious title but also solidified his place among the chess greats.