New Delhi, India — In a historic moment for Indian chess, 17-year-old Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has surpassed legend Viswanathan Anand to become the nation’s top-ranked player. This achievement makes him the youngest Indian ever to break into the world’s top 10, marking a new era for chess in the country.
Gukesh, often referred to simply as Gukesh D, climbed the ranks with a series of impressive performances in international tournaments. His rise has been meteoric since he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history at the age of 12. Now, he’s not just leading in India but is also a formidable presence on the global stage.
“It’s a dream come true to reach this level,” Gukesh said in a recent interview. “Growing up, Anand was my hero, and to now overtake him in rankings is surreal. But I know this is just the beginning, and there’s a lot of hard work ahead.”
Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, praised the young prodigy, stating, “Gukesh’s dedication and talent are truly exceptional. He represents the bright future of Indian chess, and I have no doubts he’ll achieve even greater heights.”
Gukesh’s success has ignited excitement among young chess enthusiasts across the Global South. His journey reflects the growing popularity of chess in regions traditionally underrepresented in the sport’s elite circles. With role models like Gukesh leading the way, a new generation of players is inspired to make their moves on the world stage.
Reference(s):
Dommaraju edges Ding to become youngest world chess champion
cgtn.com
