Gukesh Dommaraju re-wrote chess history at the age of 18 by becoming the youngest world champion in history. Indian prodigy dethroned China’s Ding Liren in a dramatic final game of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship, played in Singapore. This win not only brings Dommaraju into the elite league but also stamps India as a leader in the game of chess globally.
Dommaraju, hailing from Chennai, also known as India’s chess capital, was a child prodigy. He became a chess grandmaster at 12 years of age, making him the third-youngest in history to achieve that title. While his ascension in the chess world was rapid, few thought he would outplay Ding, who was the defending champion.
The Winning Moment
The championship was an eventful affair with both of the players tied at 6.5 points going into the last game. The match player Dommaraju, as black, got the victory after Ding made a fatal error on the 55th move, where his rook was exposed. That error gave Dommaraju the upper hand and after three moves Ding resigned. Overwhelmed by the moment the young champion broke down and wept uncontrollably while the audience in the hall applauded in approval.
“I probably got so emotional because I did not really expect to win from that position,” Dommaraju admitted. His humility underscores the immense pressure he faced during the four-hour showdown.
A Journey of Talent and Determination
Dommaraju’s journey to this historic moment began with after-school chess sessions that were intended to keep him occupied while his parents, a surgeon and a medical professor, managed demanding careers. Coaches soon discovered that he had exceptional talent and invested in his training.
Over the years, Dommaraju has credited yoga and mindfulness for helping him handle the pressures of competitive chess. This mental resilience was evident in the championship, as he remained composed while his opponent faltered under pressure.
A Victory Beyond the Chessboard
This victory makes Dommaraju the second Indian to win the world chess title after Viswanathan Anand, who is a five-time champion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the achievement, terming it “historic and exemplary.”
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Dommaraju’s victory marks not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for India, which is now showcasing its growing prowess on the global chess stage.
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