Eighteen-year-old Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has etched his name in history by clinching the World Chess Championship title in Singapore, a proud moment for India. A mentee of legendary chess maestro Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh triumphed over seasoned Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren in a nail-biting 14-round duel. Despite Ding’s experience and the advantage of white pieces, Gukesh’s strategic brilliance turned the tide. The young Indian tactically leveraged a single pawn to secure victory in a round initially predicted to end in a draw.
Gukesh amassed 7.5 points with three wins and nine draws, demonstrating resilience and strategic mastery. This victory makes him the youngest player to claim the world championship title at 18 years and six months, surpassing the legendary Garry Kasparov’s record set at 22. Born in Chennai to a doctor couple, Gukesh began his chess journey at age seven, achieving the Grandmaster title at just 12.
The young champion’s success highlights the role of Anand’s Westbridge Anand Academy, which nurtured his growth. Gukesh’s victory is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players, emphasizing India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena. State governments must now ensure robust support for young talents, providing facilities in schools and public spaces to encourage future champions.
