New Delhi: Fans who had turned to watch an action-packed chess competition in Kolkata witnessed the game’s heartful and warm side. As world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen was about to hand the winner’s trophy to India’s Bristy Mukherjee in Kolkata, the Indian chess prodigy touched the Norwegian chess legend’s feet before receiving the coveted trophy. Carlsen couldn’t believe his eyes as the gesture from the Indian put a big smile on his face.
Here’s how the beautiful incident unfolded in Kolkata ☟☟:
#tsci2024 #TSCI #tatasteelchessindia #chess #indianchess #kolkata #womeninchess #chessmasters #chessfestival pic.twitter.com/OwkycSsrDc
— Tata Steel Chess India (@tschessindia) November 17, 2024
Interestingly, she had earlier done the same after coming across Vishwanathan Anand, who was also present at the closing ceremony event.
Here is a short glimpse of how the Tata Steel Chess India’s Rapid segment transpired at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, with hundreds of fans flocking there to be a part of the ambiance.#tsci2024 #TSCI #tatasteelchessindia #chess #indianchess #kolkata #rapidchess #highlights pic.twitter.com/bokYT9Yxsd
— Tata Steel Chess India (@tschessindia) November 18, 2024
After being called to accept her trophy, Mukherjee first touched the feet of Anand before making her way to Carlsen. The smile on Magnus’ face confirmed the emotions that flew through the Norwegian’s heart, in reply to the gesture from the 20-year-old Indian. The Norwegian grandmaster remarked:
It was definitely a fun experience to play (in Kolkata). It never really fit my schedule the last few years. But it’s really good to be back to play against these youngsters on Indian soil. I’m happy that I can still play well….
The Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium which was the venue for the ongoing Tata Steel Rapid and Blitz Chess competition was chock-a-block with fans who had turned up in large numbers to see the Norwegian legend.
Magnus compares his Rapid and Blitz performances and provides insight into which one he found tougher.#tsci2024 #TSCI #tatasteelchessindia #chess #indianchess #kolkata #magnuscarlsen pic.twitter.com/X0RQttG0gE
— Tata Steel Chess India (@tschessindia) November 17, 2024
Who is Bristy Mukherjee?
Bristy Mukherjee is a young and talented chess prodigy. Recently, Bristy was crowned the title of FIDE Woman Master in 2023. Recently, she clinched the All India Women Rapid event (Event B) at the Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024.
Interestingly, Magnus Carlsen handed over the winning trophy to Bristy himself. Following the Indian tradition, Bristy touched Carlsen’s feet while receiving the trophy which left the Norwegian chess grandmaster blushing as he did not know exactly how to react to it