Historic Victory for Gukesh Dommaraju

NEW DELHI: In a historic turn of events, India has erupted in joy as 18-year-old chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju was crowned the youngest world chess champion, thanks to his stunning victory over China’s Ding Liren in a nail-biting final held in Singapore.

Gukesh's triumph has shattered the previous record set by the legendary Garry Kasparov, who claimed the championship title at the age of 22, marking a significant milestone in the world of chess. Not only has Gukesh achieved this remarkable feat, but he also joins the ranks of Indian chess royalty as the second Indian, after five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, to hold the coveted title.

Reactions from Leaders and Mentors

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to commend Gukesh's monumental achievement, referring to it as both 'historic and exemplary.' Modi emphasized the importance of Gukesh’s victory as a source of inspiration for young minds across the nation: 'Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination. His triumph has etched his name in the annals of chess history and inspires millions to dream big.'

Viswanathan Anand, who played a pivotal mentoring role in Gukesh's journey, expressed his pride on social media, stating, 'Congratulations! It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India ... and for me, a very personal moment of pride.'

An Emotional Triumph

Gukesh's triumph was particularly emotional; after weeks of intense competition comprising 14 grueling games, he shed tears of joy upon securing the victory that many thought would end in a draw. In a crucial moment, he capitalized on a blunder by Ding, showcasing not just his skill but his strategic prowess under pressure.

Inspirational Impact

Olympic gold medallist and renowned Indian sport shooter Abhinav Bindra weighed in, expressing that Gukesh has 'inspired a generation.' Bindra noted, 'Your brilliance, determination, and grace under pressure have made the entire nation proud. You’ve not just won a title but inspired a generation to dream big. Wishing you even greater success ahead!'

A Promising Future for Indian Chess

Born to a doctor and a microbiologist in Chennai, Gukesh made headlines early in his career by becoming India's youngest grandmaster at the tender age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, solidifying his status as one of the youngest grandmasters in chess history. His journey to the world championship was paved with determination, culminating in his record-breaking win at the prestigious Candidates Tournament earlier this year.

Gukesh Dommaraju's victory not only elevates his personal achievements but also heralds a new era for Indian chess, inspiring countless aspiring players to follow in his footsteps. As the world celebrates this phenomenal young talent, one thing is clear: Gukesh is not just a champion; he is a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.