Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met India's rising chess star, D. Gukesh, after his historic victory at the World Chess Championship. The 18-year-old Grandmaster made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever, a remarkable achievement that has not only brought glory to India but also firmly placed Gukesh in the annals of chess history. During their meeting, Gukesh presented the Prime Minister with a chessboard signed by both himself and his opponent, Ding Liren. This gesture was a symbol of the hard-fought battle that led to Gukesh's extraordinary victory. For Prime Minister Modi, the signed chessboard became a cherished memento of Gukesh's triumph, and he took a moment to praise the young champion for his unwavering dedication, confidence, and calm demeanor on the world stage.
The conversation between Modi and Gukesh also centered around a heartwarming moment from Gukesh’s childhood. The Prime Minister reminisced about a viral video in which an 11-year-old Gukesh shared his dream of becoming the youngest chess champion. Modi lauded Gukesh for fulfilling that dream through sheer hard work and perseverance, highlighting the consistency and mental fortitude required to reach such heights. Gukesh’s journey to the top was not only about mastering the game but also about adopting transformative practices such as yoga and meditation, which he credits for keeping him grounded and focused throughout his career. This fusion of physical and mental discipline helped him to not only excel in chess but also maintain the poise and calm required to perform at the highest level.
Gukesh’s rise to the World Chess Championship title has been nothing short of extraordinary. On December 12, he secured his place in history by defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling contest in Singapore. The match was closely contested, with Gukesh ultimately prevailing after a gripping series of games. At just 18 years old, Gukesh shattered the record previously held by Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov, who had won the World Championship at 22 in 1985. This victory also made Gukesh only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to win the prestigious title. It was a monumental achievement, not just for Gukesh but for the entire Indian chess community, which has long been proud of its legacy of producing top-tier chess talent.
The match itself was a true test of endurance, both mentally and physically. Gukesh had to overcome a shaky start, losing the first game of the match. However, he quickly regained his composure, winning Game 3 and then holding his ground through seven consecutive draws. The competition remained evenly poised, with both players showing incredible resilience. Ding Liren responded with a flawless performance in Game 12, leveling the scores at 6.5-6.5, which set the stage for a dramatic finale in Game 14. The final classical game was a masterpiece of strategy and precision. Ding, playing with the white pieces, made a critical mistake on the 53rd move, and Gukesh capitalized on the error with remarkable tactical awareness. This allowed him to secure the win and claim the World Championship title with a final score of 7.5-6.5, marking his victory as the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history.
Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Gukesh’s humility remained evident throughout the entire process. After his victory, he was seen rearranging the pieces on the chessboard, a simple yet poignant gesture that underscored his grounded personality. Gukesh’s journey from a young boy with big dreams to becoming the world’s youngest chess champion is a testament to his perseverance, focus, and natural talent. His success is a shining example for young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with relentless dedication, even the loftiest of dreams can be realized.
In addition to the immense pride he brought to India, Gukesh also walked away with a prize of USD 1.3 million, a testament to his remarkable achievement. This victory not only solidifies his place in chess history but also marks the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career. His remarkable win at the World Chess Championship has inspired countless young athletes and chess enthusiasts, not just in India but across the globe, proving that talent, when nurtured with determination, can overcome any challenge. Gukesh’s victory is a defining moment in the world of chess, and his future in the sport seems as bright as ever. His achievement serves as an inspiration to the next generation of chess players, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
