18-Year-Old Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion, Defeating Ding Liren

Dec 13, 2024, 07:15 AM

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, has become the youngest world chess champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov's record. As the 18th world champion, Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a dramatic final in Singapore. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, his victory brings the World Chess Championship title back to India, fulfilling his childhood dream inspired by witnessing Magnus Carlsen dethrone Viswanathan Anand in 2013. "I wanted to bring the World Championship back to India. And I wanted to be that one," Gukesh said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a prize of Rs. 5 crore to honor his achievement, stating that Tamil Nadu is proud of him. Prominent figures including Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, and cricketer Shubman Gill have extended their congratulations. Both the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar congratulated Gukesh during parliamentary sessions. Google celebrated his milestone with a dedicated Doodle. Gukesh attributed his success to his calm demeanor, laser-sharp focus, and support from his team, including mental coach Paddy Upton.