At 18, India's Gukesh Dommaraju Defeats Ding Liren to Become Youngest World Chess Champion

Dec 12, 2024, 07:03 PM

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, has become the youngest-ever and 18th World Chess Champion after defeating China's Ding Liren in the 14th game of the FIDE World Championship held in Singapore. Gukesh, who hails from Chennai, clinched the title after 58 moves, surpassing Garry Kasparov's record by four years as the youngest world champion in history. His victory marks India's first world chess champion in 11 years and has been celebrated by politicians, business leaders, and celebrities as a proud moment for the nation. "I'm just living my dream," Gukesh said after his win. He recalled watching the 2013 championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in Chennai, making his own triumph even more significant. Prime Minister Modi hailed his achievement as "historic and exemplary."