Gukesh Dommaraju, at just 18 years old, has made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, a feat that has captured the imagination of fans in India and around the world. The teenager’s victory over China’s Ding Liren in a gripping 14-game series last week has made him an overnight sensation, especially in a country where cricket usually dominates the sporting landscape.
Upon his return to Chennai, Gukesh was greeted with an overwhelming hero’s welcome at the airport. Hundreds of fans, many of them young students, cheered and waved placards, celebrating his remarkable achievement. As he emerged from the airport, garlands of flowers were draped around his neck, and the trophy was held high in his hands. The air was filled with joy as petals were thrown in celebration, and the crowd erupted into applause. Gukesh, visibly moved by the reception, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India. I can see the support and what it means to India, I am glad to be here.”
The win was particularly emotional for Gukesh, who burst into tears after his victory in Singapore. The final game saw Ding Liren make a critical blunder, and Gukesh capitalized on it to secure the title. The victory marked the culmination of a tense three-week battle that captivated chess enthusiasts worldwide. Gukesh’s success has elevated him to rock star status in India, a country where chess has often taken a backseat to cricket in terms of mainstream sports.
For Gukesh, this achievement is the latest milestone in an extraordinary career. He first gained international attention when he became India’s youngest grandmaster at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, a record that placed him among the youngest grandmasters in history. His rise continued with a series of impressive performances, culminating in his victory at the Candidates Tournament in April, which secured his place in the World Chess Championship.
In defeating Ding Liren, Gukesh not only claimed the title but also broke a significant record. He became the youngest player to ever win the World Chess Championship, surpassing the previous record held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he first claimed the title. Gukesh’s triumph is all the more remarkable given that Ding, at 32, was the reigning champion and had been expected to defend his title successfully.
Gukesh’s success is particularly significant for India, a country with a rich chess tradition. He is only the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who has won the title five times. Anand, who hails from Chennai like Gukesh, has long been a source of inspiration for aspiring chess players in India, and now Gukesh’s victory is poised to inspire a new generation.
The outpouring of support for Gukesh in Chennai was a testament to the growing popularity of chess in India. The young champion’s victory has already sparked interest in the game among young people, many of whom are now dreaming of following in his footsteps. Schoolchildren in Chennai were seen holding placards with messages of congratulations, and the excitement was palpable. Gukesh’s achievement has given a major boost to the aspirations of young players across the country who are now looking at chess as a viable career option.
In recognition of his historic achievement, Gukesh will be honored by the government of Tamil Nadu, his home state. He is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi later this month. Modi has already praised Gukesh’s remarkable accomplishment, calling it an inspiration for millions of young minds to pursue excellence and dream big.
Gukesh’s journey to the top has been supported by his father, a doctor, who has been by his side throughout his career. The bond between father and son has been a cornerstone of Gukesh’s success, providing him with the guidance and encouragement needed to reach the pinnacle of the chess world. Now, as India’s youngest World Chess Champion, Gukesh stands as a symbol of hard work, dedication, and the power of dreams.
