Chess Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju is having an emotional time after he became the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship. He defeated China’s Ding Liren to win the title at just 18 years old in Singapore on Thursday. Many videos circulating online show how emotions are running high across the country as Gukesh scripted history despite not having a privileged background.
In one such video, an emotional Gukesh can be seen talking to his mother on the phone after his victory. Gukesh broke down as his father Rajinikanth handed him over the phone to talk to his mother.
“Thank you Amma,” said Gukesh as his mother must have congratulated him for the historic victory.
According to Hindustan Times, Gukesh’s mother Padma Kumari is the sole earner in the family as a microbiologist. In order to pursue Gukesh’s dream, his father quit his job as an ENT surgeon to travel across the world for tournaments.
🇮🇳 Gukesh D 🥹
Ladies and gentlemen, the 18th WORLD CHAMPION! #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/CgzYBgeTfq
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 12, 2024
“We were not a very well-off family, so they had to face a lot of financial struggles. But I did not realise it at that time. At some point in 2017 and 2018, we were running so low on money that my parents’ friends sponsored me,” Gukesh said per Hindustan Times.
ALSO SEE: Watch: Moment Gukesh D’s Father Realised His Son Is Youngest World Chess Champion
♥️ Gukesh’s dad after he realized that his son had won the World Championship 👇#GukeshDing #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/0WCwRbmzmd
— Chess.com – India (@chesscom_in) December 12, 2024
“My parents had to make many lifestyle changes just for me to play tournaments. They made the most sacrifices.”
Gukesh is only the second Indian after Vishwanathan Anand to win the World Chess Championship. His emerged victorious in the 14th game with 7.5 points as opposed to Liren’s 6.5, who conceded after his 55th move.
Gukesh’s first international fame came in 2017 when he became an International Master at Cannes, France. In 2019, he became the second youngest Grandmaster in history.
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