In a historic triumph for Indian chess, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest-ever world chess champion on Thursday, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in a dramatic finale at the World Chess Championship in Singapore. The decisive 14th game was a nail-biting affair, with the momentum swinging between the two players before an uncharacteristic blunder by Liren on the 55th move handed Gukesh a hard-fought 7.5-6.5 victory.
The victory marked the culmination of years of dedication for Gukesh, who burst into tears the moment Liren resigned. As the two players shook hands, an emotional Gukesh quietly reset the pieces on the board, unable to hold back his tears. The historic win was witnessed by his father and his mental conditioning coach, Paddy Upton, who had been integral to his journey.
After leaving the playing hall, Gukesh shared an intensely emotional embrace with his father, a moment captured by fans and photographers alike. Overwhelmed, Gukesh hugged members of his team before breaking down again in Upton’s arms. Even as he left the venue, the weight of his accomplishment lingered, and Gukesh continued to cry in the team car, where he had a heartfelt phone call with his mother to share the news.
Speaking to the media after his victory, Gukesh reflected on the significance of the moment. “Representing my country… 11 years ago, the title was taken away from India. When I was watching in 2013, looking into the glass box, I thought it’d be so cool to be there one day. I had the dream 10 years ago of bringing the title back. There’s nothing better than this,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Gukesh also praised his opponent, Ding Liren, describing him as “one of the best players in history” and a “real world champion.” He humbly acknowledged the decisive mistake that sealed his win, calling it the “best moment” of his life.
Ding, gracious in defeat, admitted his blunder but expressed satisfaction with his performance. “It took me a while to realize I blundered,” he said. “I think I played my best tournament this year. I could be better, but considering yesterday’s luck, it’s a fair result to lose in the end. I have no regrets.”
Gukesh’s victory has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but also marked a proud moment for India, bringing the world chess title back to the country after more than a decade. The young champion’s journey serves as an inspiration, embodying perseverance, humility, and an unwavering passion for the game.
