Indian Teen D. Gukesh, 18, Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion, Surpassing Kasparov's Record

Dec 13, 2024, 04:27 AM

Indian prodigy D. Gukesh has become the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18 after defeating China's Ding Liren in Game 14 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship held in Singapore. Gukesh surpassed Garry Kasparov's record, becoming the youngest undisputed champion in the history of chess. He is now the second Indian to hold the world championship title after Viswanathan Anand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Gukesh, praising his victory as 'historic and exemplary'. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also extended his congratulations. Former world champion Viswanathan Anand led tributes, sharing a throwback picture with Gukesh. Gukesh credited his mental coach Paddy Upton for providing the edge in his triumph and declared this victory as the start of his dream career inspired by Magnus Carlsen. His journey to the top was marked by personal sacrifices; he stopped school at class IV, his father quit his job, and his mother became the sole breadwinner.