Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren, the reigning World Chess Champion, will defend his title against India’s rising star D Gukesh later this year. Gukesh’s surprise victory in the Candidates Chess tournament has generated excitement in India, a country witnessing a surge in interest in chess. The World Championship match may take place in Singapore or India, with both Delhi and Chennai expressing interest in hosting. Liren prefers Singapore, while Gukesh would have the home-field advantage in India. Liren acknowledges Gukesh’s rapid ascent and sees him as a formidable opponent. India has produced numerous young chess prodigies, including R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and R Vaishali.