D Gukesh, the 18-year-old chess prodigy from India, has made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever. In a groundbreaking victory that has captured the attention of the chess world, Gukesh triumphed over reigning champion Ding Liren of China to claim the coveted title, a feat that has elevated him to the pinnacle of global chess.
Gukesh’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also reinforces India’s growing dominance in the world of chess. He becomes only the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion who inspired generations of chess enthusiasts.
A Dream Come True for D Gukesh
D Gukesh’s journey to the World Chess Championship has been a dream he nurtured from a very young age. Speaking to reporters after his historic win in Singapore, Gukesh shared his excitement: “I have been dreaming about this for the last 10 years. I’m happy that I was able to turn that dream into reality.” The young chess star recalled how his passion for the game began when he was just 6 or 7 years old, and how achieving this monumental feat was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
Gukesh, visibly emotional after the win, admitted that he had not anticipated such a victory. “I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win, but then I got a chance to press on,” he said. Despite the challenges, he was able to seize the moment, securing the victory with a score of 7.5 points to Ding Liren’s 6.5 points in the final classical game of the match.
A Gracious Champion: Gukesh Praises His Opponent
In his victory speech, Gukesh showed remarkable sportsmanship by praising his opponent, Ding Liren. “To me, Ding is a real world champion. He fought like a true champion, and I’m sorry for him and his team,” Gukesh expressed. This gesture highlighted his maturity beyond his years, cementing his place not only as a talented chess player but also as a true ambassador of the sport.
The Support of Family and Fans
Behind every chess prodigy is a strong support system, and for Gukesh, that includes his dedicated parents. The young champion acknowledged that his parents’ dreams of his success were even bigger than his own. “The dream of winning the World Chess Championship is bigger for them than for me,” he shared. His victory is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the sacrifices and love of his family, who have supported him throughout his journey.
A Historic Prize and a Bright Future
As the new World Chess Champion, Gukesh takes home a $1.3 million share from the $2.5 million prize pool, a significant reward for his extraordinary achievement. This victory not only enhances his global stature but also sets the stage for an even brighter future in the chess world.
In addition to the financial rewards, Gukesh’s win is a source of inspiration for chess players around the world, especially young talents who look up to him as a symbol of perseverance, skill, and passion.
Congratulatory Messages Pour In
Gukesh’s historic victory has sparked an outpouring of congratulatory messages from across India and the world. Prominent leaders and celebrities took to social media to express their admiration for the young champion.
President Droupadi Murmu tweeted, “Heartiest congratulations to Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship. He has done India immensely proud. His victory stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations: “Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination.” He also highlighted how Gukesh’s victory has inspired millions of young minds to pursue excellence and dream big.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, shared his heartfelt wishes: “Gukesh, you’ve made all of India proud! Becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is a phenomenal achievement.” He praised Gukesh for his passion and hard work, emphasizing that determination leads to success.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin congratulated Gukesh, stating, “Congratulations to @DGukesh on becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18! Your remarkable achievement continues India’s rich chess legacy.” Stalin highlighted how Gukesh’s victory reaffirms Chennai’s status as the Chess Capital of the World.
What’s Next for D Gukesh?
After achieving the unimaginable at just 18, the world is eager to see what’s next for D Gukesh. With his skill, determination, and maturity, there’s little doubt that he will continue to be a dominant force in the world of chess for many years to come. His victory is not just a milestone in his own career but also a significant chapter in the story of India’s rise as a chess powerhouse.
D Gukesh’s achievement is a reminder to every aspiring player that with relentless effort and passion, dreams can indeed become reality. The future of chess is bright, and D Gukesh is poised to lead the charge into an exciting new era of the game.
