Gukesh Dommaraju Conquers Chess World

Deccan Freedom News

By Burra Madhusudhan Reddy 

The chess world witnessed history on December 12, 2024, as 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju emerged victorious in the World Chess Championship held in Sentosa, Singapore. Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China with a narrow margin of 7.50 to 6.50 in a 14-game match. With this remarkable feat, Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion, etching his name alongside India’s chess legend Viswanathan Anand. This victory also marked Gukesh as the youngest undisputed champion in the history of chess.

The Rise of a Prodigy

Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai to a Telugu family from Satyavedu in Chittoor district, Gukesh demonstrated extraordinary talent from an early age. Son of Padmavathi and Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, Gukesh began playing chess at the age of seven. Recognizing his immense potential, he left school after Class IV to dedicate himself to his chess career. Gukesh’s formative years at Velammal Vidyalaya in Chennai and the unwavering support of his family played a pivotal role in his journey.

Trailblazing Achievements

Gukesh’s journey is marked by exceptional accomplishments. He first rose to prominence by winning the Under-9 category of the Asian School Chess Championship in 2015. He clinched the World Youth Chess Championship in the Under-12 category in 2018 and secured five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championship the same year. At just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh became the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history.

In 2022, he won individual gold at the 44th Chess Olympiad and a silver medal at the Asian Games. Gukesh made headlines in October 2022 by defeating reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen, becoming the youngest to achieve this feat. Although he fell to Carlsen at the Chess World Cup 2023 in Baku, he surpassed Viswanathan Anand in the FIDE rankings, becoming India’s top-ranked player. Gukesh’s triumphs in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024 and his rise to the top five of the FIDE rankings on October 1, 2024, cemented his place among chess elites.

A Champion’s Legacy

Gukesh’s gameplay is celebrated for his incredible calculating abilities and composure under time pressure. His victory at the World Chess Championship fulfilled a childhood dream he articulated at the age of 11: “I want to be the youngest World Chess Champion.”

Gukesh’s success is a testament to the unwavering support of his father, who sacrificed his medical career to nurture his son’s talent, and the encouragement from his school and mentors. At 18 years of age, Gukesh Dommaraju not only conquered the chessboard but also inspired millions with his dedication and passion for the game.