Kolkata chess star touches Magnus Carlsen's feet after her big win. His reaction is viral. Watch

Bristy Mukherjee's gesture brought a wide smile on Magnus Carlsen's face. (Images: screengrab from video @tschessindia/X)

Indian chess prodigy Bristy Mukherjee touched the feet of chess legend Magnus Carlsen before receiving her winner's trophy at the Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024 prompting the Norwegian to smile wide in a video that has since gone viral. The gesture, emblematic of deep respect in Indian culture, took the grandmaster by surprise and left a wide smile on his face.

Mukherjee, 20, clinched victory in the All India Women Rapid Event (Event B) with a flawless 7/7 score, cementing her reputation as a rising star in Indian chess. She repeated the traditional gesture for another chess icon, Viswanathan Anand, before stepping up to Carlsen, showcasing her reverence for the legends who have shaped the game.

Watch the viral video here:

#tsci2024 #TSCI #tatasteelchessindia #chess #indianchess #kolkata #womeninchess #chessmasters #chessfestival pic.twitter.com/OwkycSsrDcTata Steel Chess India (@tschessindia) November 17, 2024

“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,” he remarked during the closing ceremony.

The Tata Steel Chess India Festival 2024 drew massive crowds to the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, where fans lined up to catch a glimpse of Carlsen. The chess star’s participation was a major attraction, with spectators even sitting on the stairs to watch matches. The event concluded with Carlsen securing twin victories in his categories.