NEW DELHI: Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, popularly often known as D Gukesh, achieved a monumental feat on Thursday, changing into the youngest-ecer world chess champion at simply 18 years outdated.
In an exhilarating ultimate match held in Singapore, Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren, the reigning champion, in Sport 14 of their sequence, with a rating of seven.5–6.5.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Gukesh, calling his accomplishment “historic and exemplary”.
“Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his outstanding accomplishment. That is the results of his unparalleled expertise, exhausting work and unwavering willpower. His triumph has not solely etched his identify within the annals of chess historical past however has additionally impressed thousands and thousands of younger minds to dream large and pursue excellence. My greatest needs for his future endeavours,” PM Modi wrote on X.
President Droupadi Murmu additionally lauded Gukesh, stating, “Heartiest congratulations to Gukesh for changing into the youngest participant to win the World Chess Championship. He has achieved India immensely proud. His victory stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse. Properly achieved Gukesh! On behalf of each Indian, I want you sustained glory sooner or later.”
The Worldwide Chess Federation confirmed Gukesh’s standing because the youngest world chess champion in historical past, surpassing Garry Kasparov, who gained the title at 22. Gukesh additionally grew to become solely the second Indian, after five-time champion Viswanathan Anand, to assert the title.
The decisive second got here when Ding, below time strain, blundered in an endgame that appeared destined for a draw. Gukesh, with a rook, bishop, and one-pawn benefit, tenaciously pressed on, turning the sport in his favour. Ding slumped in despair as Gukesh, overwhelmed with emotion, buried his face in his fingers.
Followers erupted in cheers, with many Indian supporters chanting his identify throughout the post-match press convention. Gukesh credited his aggressive technique: “It simply takes one sport for the technique to repay.”
Born to a physician and a microbiologist, Gukesh grew to become India’s youngest grandmaster at 12. His meteoric rise contains victories over Fabiano Caruana and Magnus Carlsen.
