India celebrated its young chess talent, Gukesh Dommaraju, after the 18-year-old secured the title of world chess champion with an electrifying final victory over China’s Ding Liren. This remarkable achievement makes Gukesh the youngest player to ever hold the world championship, surpassing the record set by the legendary Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he won his first championship.
Gukesh’s victory, which unfolded dramatically in Singapore, came after he capitalized on a critical mistake made by Ding, who had been in a strong position during the game. Overwhelmed with emotion after his win, Gukesh expressed his surprise, stating, “I probably got so emotional because I did not really expect to win that position.”
With this landmark victory, Gukesh joins the ranks of five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand as the second Indian to don the world champion title. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Gukesh’s accomplishments, emphasizing the significance of his achievement in inspiring millions of young individuals to aspire for greatness.
Anand, who has played a key mentorship role in Gukesh’s career, expressed his pride, calling this moment a reflection of dedication and excellence for both the sport and the nation.
Contributions to Gukesh’s success extend beyond chess, as noted by Indian Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, who highlighted the teenager’s potential to inspire an entire generation.
Born in Chennai to a family deeply rooted in academia, Gukesh demonstrated outstanding talent early, becoming India’s youngest grandmaster at just 12 years and 7 months. His journey to the top was marked by his recent triumph as the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates Tournament, paving his way to the championship.
This victory not only showcases Gukesh’s exceptional skill and tenacity but also opens the door for the future of chess in India, reinforcing the country’s growing prominence in the sport. As he moves forward, there is a strong sense of optimism that Gukesh’s achievements will motivate young talents and elevate chess on the global stage.
In summary, Gukesh Dommaraju’s historic win as the youngest world chess champion highlights not only his individual brilliance but also India’s evolving chess narrative, ushering in a wave of inspiration for aspiring players across the nation.