India’s chess prodigy, D Gukesh, etched his name in history on December 12, 2024, by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. His remarkable victory against China’s Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship final in Singapore has set the chess world abuzz. Gukesh’s triumph not only highlights his incredible talent but also marks a new era for Indian chess.

In an emotional moment during the award ceremony, Gukesh received the prestigious World Chess Championship trophy, which he immediately passed on to his parents in a touching tribute to their unwavering support. This heartfelt gesture resonated deeply with fans worldwide. The victory also came with a significant financial reward—Gukesh earned a whopping $1.5 million [Rs. 12.7 crore] in prize money, further cementing his position as a rising global icon.

A Historic Victory Against All Odds

Trailing after the opening game, Gukesh displayed immense resilience and mental fortitude to turn the match around. Losing the first game as white, he responded with a win in Game 3. The subsequent games saw both players evenly matched, drawing seven consecutive games. However, Gukesh’s decisive victory in Game 11 gave him a crucial edge, only for Ding to equalize in Game 12 with a near-perfect performance.

In the nail-biting final classical game, Gukesh demonstrated exceptional precision and nerves of steel. Ding’s critical blunder on the 53rd move handed Gukesh the edge he needed to clinch the title with a score of 7.5-6.5. The moment was monumental not just for Gukesh but for Indian chess as a whole.

Breaking Records and Setting Milestones

Gukesh’s victory shattered Garry Kasparov’s 39-year-old record, making him the youngest World Chess Champion. Kasparov, who won the title at 22 in 1985, was among the first to congratulate Gukesh, urging India to continue fostering its burgeoning chess talent.

Gukesh also became the second Indian to win the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand. His victory symbolizes the dawn of the era referred to as “Vishy’s children”, a generation of Indian players inspired by Anand’s trailblazing career.

Anand’s Role in Gukesh’s Journey

Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, played a significant role in shaping Gukesh’s career. After his win, Gukesh fondly recalled meeting Anand during the 2013 World Chess Championship in Chennai, where Anand lost to Magnus Carlsen. Watching that match as a spectator ignited Gukesh’s dream of bringing the title back to India.

“After Vishy Sir lost, I thought to myself, it would be so cool to be in that championship box someday,” Gukesh shared. “That dream has driven me for over a decade”.

Anand praised Gukesh’s determination, describing his victory as a proud moment for chess and for India. Speaking about Gukesh’s journey, Anand highlighted his persistence and readiness to seize opportunities, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Polgar Sisters and Global Chess Community in Awe

The Polgar sisters, Judit and Susan, also lauded Gukesh’s performance. Judit Polgar, a legendary Grandmaster, praised his nerves of steel and mental toughness. “With too much at stake, Gukesh showed remarkable composure. This victory marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in chess”, she wrote.

Susan Polgar echoed her sister’s sentiments, emphasizing Gukesh’s fighting spirit and humility. “He’s only 18, and he’s already a champion. His potential is limitless, and he will continue to inspire young players worldwide”, she remarked.

An Emotional Moment for Gukesh

Overwhelmed by his achievement, Gukesh broke into tears after his victory. His humility shone through as he carefully arranged the chessboard and applauded his opponent, Ding Liren. The most poignant moment came when he handed the World Chess Championship trophy to his parents, a gesture of gratitude for their sacrifices and constant encouragement.

Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh said, “This is the best moment of my life. Bringing the title back to India after 11 years is a dream come true”.

🇮🇳 World Champion Gukesh D receives his trophy and immediately passes it on to his parents! 🥰#DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/sLJVTWujbR

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 13, 2024

What Lies Ahead for Indian Chess

Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to India’s growing prominence in the chess world. From dominating the Chess Olympiad to producing world-class talents, India is now a formidable force in the sport.

Garry Kasparov’s words resonate strongly: “India’s unlimited pool of talent combined with the freedom to explore it promises a bright future not just for chess but for many fields. The goal now is to aim higher and reach new summits”.

As Gukesh embarks on his reign as World Chess Champion, he carries the hopes of millions of Indians and the admiration of the global chess community. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring players, proving that with talent, determination, and the right guidance, the sky is the limit.

In the annals of chess history, December 12, 2024, will be remembered as the day D Gukesh brought glory to India and redefined the boundaries of possibility.

Image Credits: FIDE_Chess

References:

1. Emotional Moment as D Gukesh Hands Trophy to Proud Mother

2. D Gukesh Bursts Into Celebration After Receiving His World Championship Trophy in Singapore

3. D Gukesh crowned world chess champion by FIDE chief, draped in Indian flag during coronation

4. D Gukesh lifts World Championship trophy after fulfilling photoshoot promise

5. D Gukesh passes Chess Championship trophy to proud mother at closing ceremony

6. Heartbroken fan to world champion: How D Gukesh was fuelled by Anand’s 2013 loss

7. D Gukesh Hands Over World Chess Championship Trophy To Parents. Video Viral

8. D Gukesh crowned world champion: How the chess world reacted to historic feat