Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has continued to share his joy and pride over D Gukesh's historic World Chess Championship victory, a win that has captured the imagination of chess fans worldwide and further elevated India's stature in the global chess arena. On Saturday, Anand took to social media, sharing an old newspaper clipping and reflecting on the very first time he met Gukesh, a moment he remembers with fondness. Gukesh’s triumph on December 12, where he overcame Ding Liren in a nail-biting final game, has made history, as he became only the second Indian to claim the coveted World Chess Championship title after Anand, who first made the achievement in 2000.
The magnitude of Gukesh’s victory cannot be overstated. The match against Ding was a test of nerves and skill, as both players went into the final game tied at 6.5 points. In a tense battle that kept fans at the edge of their seats, Gukesh showed immense composure, unwavering focus, and strategic depth under pressure. Ding, playing with the white pieces, had managed to keep the game balanced for much of the match, but on the 53rd move, he made a costly mistake. Gukesh, ever the tactician, seized the opportunity, maintaining steady pressure and taking advantage of his pawn lead. His calmness under pressure in such an important moment proved to be the deciding factor, leading to a remarkable victory that sealed his place in history.
Gukesh’s World Championship win is a result of years of hard work, dedication, and guidance. As part of the first batch of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), founded by Anand himself, Gukesh had the rare privilege of learning from one of the game’s greatest minds. WACA’s focus on providing young talent with the resources and training needed to succeed at the highest level has played a pivotal role in shaping Gukesh’s career. Anand, who has always been a mentor and a source of inspiration for Indian chess players, has clearly seen something special in Gukesh from the very beginning.
In his post, Anand reminisced about the early days when he first noticed Gukesh. "Can You Spot Two World Champions?" Anand captioned the post, reflecting on the early days when Gukesh was part of the academy. He recalled how Gukesh, the quieter of the students, always absorbed the lessons with remarkable focus and dedication. Anand compared him to his academy mate, Pragg, who was far more energetic and prone to blurting out answers. Anand mentioned other young talents like Rakshita Ravi and Leon, hinting at how the seeds for WACA, which has since nurtured a generation of chess stars, were planted in those formative years.
Anand’s pride in Gukesh was evident, as he saw the quiet, determined young boy evolve into a world champion. Gukesh’s win against Ding was not only a personal victory but also a significant achievement for Indian chess, marking the rise of a new generation of champions who will follow in Anand's footsteps. Anand’s statement about Gukesh’s win echoed his own feelings of fulfillment: "To see a student go on to achieve something as monumental as this makes all the hard work and effort worth it."
The world championship victory is especially meaningful given the context of the match. Gukesh's ability to stay composed under such intense pressure is a testament to his mental fortitude and the preparation instilled in him by both his own hard work and the guidance of Anand. The tactical precision, strategic planning, and mental resilience displayed by Gukesh throughout the match have made his win one of the most celebrated moments in Indian chess history. His victory not only reaffirms his place as one of the best in the world but also serves as a symbol of the potential within India to continue producing world-class chess talent.
In his post-match statement, Gukesh shared his gratitude to Anand and the academy, acknowledging the role they played in his success. For Anand, the win was also a moment to reflect on the journey that began with his own victory decades ago. It is a reflection of his lasting legacy as a mentor and a pioneer in Indian chess, shaping the future of the game in the country.
Gukesh’s victory will undoubtedly inspire countless young players to pursue chess with the same passion, dedication, and discipline that he has shown. As he continues to rise in the chess world, the future looks bright for Indian chess, with Gukesh now firmly placed as one of the leading figures in the game, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Viswanathan Anand. The legacy of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, too, is further solidified, as the academy continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing India’s chess talent for the years to come.
