Despite recent setbacks, reigning World champion Ding Liren of China is determined to return to form in preparation for his upcoming match against 17-year-old FIDE Candidates winner D. Gukesh. Gukesh, while acknowledging Ding’s strength, expressed confidence in his own abilities, stating, “I think I’m ready for the challenge.”
Indian chess grandmaster D Gukesh has etched his name in history as the youngest-ever Chess Candidates champion. At just 17 years of age, he has earned the right to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren of China for the coveted title in 2024. Gukesh’s remarkable achievement brings him one step closer to his childhood dream of becoming the youngest world champion in chess. Upon his triumphant return to India, Gukesh attributed his success to the guidance and mentorship of former world champion Viswanathan Anand.
India will bid to host the World Chess Championship later this year, featuring Chennai’s D Gukesh as the challenger and defending champion Ding Liren of China. Gukesh secured his spot in the match after winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, becoming the youngest ever contender. The All India Chess Federation (AICF), led by Secretary Dev Patel, expressed confidence in hosting the championship, emphasizing the potential to make chess more popular in the country. The venue and dates are still under discussion with FIDE, the governing body of chess. Several Indian states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, are in contention to host the event.
D. Gukesh, the 17-year-old Indian chess prodigy who emerged victoriously from the FIDE Candidates tournament in Toronto, received a rousing welcome upon his arrival at Chennai International Airport. Despite an arduous 18-hour journey, Gukesh remained composed and shared his readiness to face World No. 1 Ding Liren in the upcoming World Championship. Having already planned his next tournaments, including the Grand Chess Tour, Gukesh emphasized his laser-sharp focus and unwavering determination as key factors in his triumph. He expressed gratitude for the support of his coach Vishnu Prasanna and inspiration from Viswanathan Anand, while acknowledging the potential of his achievement to inspire aspiring chess enthusiasts.
Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh has emerged victorious in the 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament, securing the right to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren for the coveted title. The 17-year-old’s sensational triumph marks a significant milestone in Indian chess history, establishing him as the youngest player to accomplish this feat. Gukesh’s rise to the top has been a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the transformative impact of accessible live broadcasts that have fueled a surge in chess enthusiasm across the nation.
D Gukesh, the chess prodigy from Chennai, has become the youngest challenger to the world title following his victory at the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. Upon his arrival at the airport, Gukesh was met with an enthusiastic reception from hundreds of students from his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, as well as a large general crowd. The 17-year-old was garlanded and escorted safely by the police amidst jubilant cheers. Gukesh expressed his happiness at the homecoming, acknowledging the support and role played by his family, coach, friends, and school in his triumph.
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is exploring the possibility of hosting the World Chess Championship in India following the remarkable performance of 17-year-old Grandmaster (GM) D. Gukesh. Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates tournament, qualifying him to challenge current world champion, China’s GM Ding Liren. AICF President Nitin Narang stated that the federation is currently evaluating the feasibility of hosting the event and will provide a handsome financial reward to Gukesh in recognition of his achievement.
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has made history by becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the World Chess title. The 17-year-old defeated all odds to win the Candidates tournament in Toronto, earning the right to face defending champion Ding Liren of China. The success of Indian chess players at the highest level has been attributed to the legendary Viswanathan Anand, whose academy has produced top talents like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa. The rise of Indian and Chinese chess prodigies in the diaspora has also been noted by Grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who predicts further success for young players in the future.
17-year-old Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has made history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament, becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title. Gukesh’s victory surpasses the previous record held by Garry Kasparov for 40 years.
