Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, dethroning China’s Ding Liren in a nail-biting 14th and final game. The 18-year-old sensation also achieved the unique distinction of being the first teenager to claim the coveted title, marking a stellar year for Indian chess.
Gukesh’s victory is a monumental milestone, as he pounced on a critical mistake by Ding Liren, securing his win in the 58th move of the final game. This triumph follows his victories in the 2024 Candidates Tournament and a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad.
Who is D Gukesh?
Gukesh Dommaraju, widely known as D Gukesh, was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India. He comes from a Telugu family, with his father, Dr. Rajinikanth, being an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Dr. Padma, a microbiologist.
Gukesh discovered his passion for chess at the age of seven, dedicating a few hours each week to practice. His talent was evident early on, as he began participating in tournaments and claimed his first accolade in 2015, winning the Under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships.
Rise to Stardom
Gukesh’s chess journey has been extraordinary. At just 12 years old, he became the third-youngest Grandmaster in history. Among his many achievements:
- Winning the World Youth Chess Championship in 2018 in the Under-12 category.
- Securing five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships across various formats.
- Achieving the title of International Master in 2017.
In 2023, Gukesh reached new heights by becoming the youngest player to achieve a rating of 2750. He also ended Viswanathan Anand’s 37-year reign as India’s top-ranked chess player.
A Stellar 2024
This year, Gukesh cemented his legacy by winning the Candidates Tournament, earning his place in the World Chess Championship. He also played a pivotal role in India’s historic gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad, alongside teammates Arjun Erigaisi, Pentala Harikrishna, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi.
With his World Chess Championship victory, Gukesh joins the ranks of Indian chess legends, becoming only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the prestigious title. Anand, a four-time World Champion, won in 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012.
A Bright Future Ahead
Gukesh’s rise to the pinnacle of chess at such a young age is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. As the youngest World Chess Champion, he has inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts and continues to bring glory to India on the global stage.
Sources By Agencies
