Gukesh is youngest world chess champion

D. Gukesh, 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, became the youngest World Chess Champion by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China in the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 held in Singapore (December 12, 2024).

Key Details:

• Defeated Ding Liren in the 14th and final classical game after 58 moves.
• Scored 7.5 points, meeting the requirement to clinch the world title.
• Broke Garry Kasparov’s nearly four-decade-old record for the youngest chess world champion.

Significance:

1. Global Achievement: Establishes India’s rising prominence in the world of chess, joining elite players historically dominated by Russia, Norway, and China.
2. Youth Leadership in Sports: Highlights the potential of young Indian talent to excel at the highest levels in strategic and intellectual sports.
3. Chess Development in India: Reflects the success of India’s structured training programs, chess academies (like those in Chennai), and support systems fostering world-class talent.

Implications:

• Inspires increased youth participation in chess and intellectual sports.
• Enhances India’s soft power and global recognition in mind sports.
• May lead to greater investment in chess infrastructure and international exposure for emerging Indian players.

Challenges Overcome:

• Mental and physical demands of a 14-game classical championship.
• Handling pressure of competing against an experienced world champion.
• Navigating a high-stakes international environment at a young age.
  
  Updated - December 13, 2024 06:57 am | The Hindu