Cheer for World Champion D.Gukesh

A new champion is born, cerebral and calm. Celebrate D.Gukesh, who dethroned China’s Ding Liren to clinch the FIDE World Championship in Singapore on Thursday. At the Sentosa Island , away from the main city in Singapore, an 18-year-old Indian and seasoned pro were testing each other. It appeared, at one stage, the last round would end in a draw. No, Gukesh pulled of an incredible victory, which has triggered celebrations the world over. Youngest champion, someone so focussed and ready to soak in the pressure, Gukesh handled the big stage pressure in a mature way. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former and present Grandmasters of chess, all have congratulated the Indian. And for so many chess champions to be following the exploits of Gukesh so closely, it has been crazy. The number of viewers on several chess platforms with commentary, live blogs and social media buzzing with each move, the journey of Gukesh has been captured for posterity. As he sealed the title, he signed and then wiped tears. How much pressure Gukesh would have handled in dealing with a tough Chinese opponent, the world has seen. Indeed, Gukesh outsmarted Ding Liren.

As Gukesh thanked all those who have been part of his journey, one cannot forget what influence legend Vishy Anand has had on the Indians. He has spurred a revolution of sorts in India, made so many people fall in love with the champion. At the same time, Anand ensured youngsters would take up chess, that’s his massive contribution. This win, coming as it were a few days after Vishy’s 55^th birthday has triggered so many emotions. Gukesh thanked all those who have helped him, but the role played by his parents, both doctors, cannot be ignored.  The Indian thanked his seconds, training partners and coaches. “I can’t thank them enough,” said an emotional Gukesh later.

One man deserves special mention, Paddy Upton, who massively helped Gukesh with the mental part in preparation. Upton is no stranger to Indian sports. Yet, to take under his wings a chess prodigy and ensure he could be nursed along is a fascinating journey. Upton has spoken about how important it was to make Gukesh feel independent. In essence, not to rely on Upton but imbibe the mental strength. For those not hard-core chess junkies, they tracked Gukesh, followed his body language. From the time he would step off the lift and walk to the arena where he had to match Ding move for move, people observed what Gukesh did. He was not tense, the steps in his stride as he walked to the hall and the way he planned his next move was a pointer to preparation. Indeed, for someone who became a Grandmaster at 12, the journey has been fulfilling.

Indian chess has seen an explosion. If Chennai was lucky that it hosted the chess Olympiad in 2022, the Indian men and women winning two gold medals in the recent chess Olympiad in September was incredible. At the same time, the chess world wanted to know what Gukesh would do in this big match-up. He has won hearts and will thank deep down the legacy created by Vishy Anand. When Anand became world champion for the first time in Tehran 24 years ago, it was a wow moment. Anand has been in touch with chess as a player, mentor and also ensuring many could grow. So, nobody should make the mistake of comparing Gukesh with Anand, a legend in every sense. Anand has been tracking the Gukesh versus Ding Liren rounds on the 64 squares and penning a column daily. It just goes to show, how much he has been a true mentor and lover of the sport.

The depth in Indian chess is huge and today the accessibility to games online has helped big time. Even after Gukesh had sealed it today, the number of people logged in to track online was an indicator of how chess is growing. In India, too, during the Covid pandemic, chess became a hobby. If Gukesh is a world champion today, think of the others waiting to make a bigger mark. Rameshbabu Praggnanddhaa and his sister Vaishali, plus so many more, all are big players. The way youth and seasoned players like Harika Dronavalli also showcased the Indian depth at the Chess Olympiad made the world sit up and take notice.

Thursday belongs to Gukesh and how he has made every Indian feel proud. This may not be a sport where you rip off your jersey or dance in the field of play. Gukesh presented himself as a true champion, well in control of emotions. Historic, indeed.