Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met with the newly-crowned World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, during which he also held an interaction with the 18-year-old Chennai resident, who scripted history earlier this month by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion in chess.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Had an excellent interaction with chess champion and India's pride, @DGukesh! I have been closely interacting with him for a few years now, and what strikes me most about him is his determination and dedication. His confidence is truly inspiring.".
In fact, I can recall seeing a video of his a few years back where he had said he will become the youngest world champion — a prediction that now clearly has come true and thanks to his own effort.
PM Modi also had words of appreciation for the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, saying: “Along with confidence, Gukesh embodies calmness and humility. Upon winning, he was composed, basking in his glory while fully understanding how to process this hard-earned victory. Our conversation today revolved around the transformative potential of yoga and meditation.”
He added the role of his parents for their success. He said: "In the success of every athlete, their parents play a pivotal role. I complimented Gukesh's parents for supporting him through thick and thin. Their dedication will inspire countless parents of young aspirants who dream of pursuing sports as a career."
"I am also happy to have received from Gukesh the original chessboard from the game he won. The chessboard, autographed by both him and Ding Liren, is a treasured memento," PM Modi posted on X.
On December 12, D. Gukesh created history by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion in chess, defeating Ding Liren of China in the 14-game match in Singapore.
Taking full advantage of a blunder committed by Ding in the winner-takes-all 14th game, Gukesh dethroned the champion, 7.5 to 6.5, to become the second Indian to win the World Chess Champion.
With his victory against Ding, Gukesh is the 18th World Champion in over a hundred years of chess history, the youngest, having superseded Garry Kasparov's record of attaining the title at an age of 22 and, heralding a new monarch to the chess horizon.
Gukesh is the second Indian to have won the title of the World Chess Championship, winning it after almost two decades when five-time champion Viswanathan Anand had lost the title of the world chess champion of Norway's Magnus Carlsen in Chennai in 2013. The Norwegian, now, has relinquished his crown in 2023, thus opening a gap for Ding to emerge victoriously over Ian Nepomniachtchi.
In a winner-takes-all 14th and final game of the World Chess Championship match Ding had steered towards a draw after commencing with Reversed Grunfeld variation of Zukertort Opening, when the 32-year-old from China made a sensational blunder.
Having fought out 13 games over three weeks, Ding was actually looking forward to the rapid and blitz tiebreakers as he had effectively countered the aggressive tactics of the young Indian challenger to steer the game towards a drawish position.
Read also| Gavaskar Urges for Siraj's Dropping, Calls for 'Brutal Honesty' with the Bowler
Read also| Smith Highlights the Distinction Between 'Out of Form and Out of Runs' After MCG Century
