D Gukesh: A chess champion, a symbol of a changing India

At just 18 years old, D Gukesh has become the youngest and the 18th chess World Champion, defeating reigning title holder Ding Liren of China. This victory makes him India’s second world champion after Viswanathan Anand, who won five titles before conceding the crown to Magnus Carlsen in 2013. It’s a story that feels almost scripted, yet it is real — a tale of audacious dreams, relentless hard work, and unwavering support.
In the press conference after his victory, Gukesh said, “I’m living my dream.” For many of us who have followed his journey, this is no exaggeration. I vividly remember an 11-year-old Gukesh, in a chat with Sagar Shah of ChessBase India, joyfully declaring his ambition: to become the youngest world chess champion. It’s a powerful reminder that setting bold goals and dedicating yourself to them can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
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Behind Gukesh’s victory is a story of immense sacrifice — especially from his parents. Garry Kasparov’s congratulatory post captures this sentiment beautifully: “My congratulations to D Gukesh on his victory today. He has summitted the highest peak of all: making his mother happy!” This line resonates deeply, as Kasparov himself has often spoken about the sacrifices his own mother made to support his chess career.

In India, where parents traditionally prioritise academics over everything else, Gukesh’s parents dared to do differently. They chose to believe in their son’s talent, putting aside societal expectations and their own comforts to ensure he could pursue his passion.
As a parent myself, this strikes a chord. Watching Gukesh’s triumph is a reminder of what parenting can be. Whether it’s chess, dance, or math, children deserve the freedom and encouragement to follow their dreams. Who knows what they might achieve if we let go of conventional ideas of success and simply support them?
Gukesh’s victory also symbolises India’s growth as a sporting nation. Even a decade ago, the infrastructure, resources, and mindset needed to nurture a champion like him didn’t exist. Today, academies like WACA (WestBridge Anand Chess Academy), backed by a venture capital fund, play a pivotal role in shaping young talent. Supporting an elite chess player is no small feat — it requires constant funding, world-class training, and a network of top-tier seconds, coaches, and trainers.

Gukesh’s winning team, which he proudly declared and thanked in the post-game press conference, includes some of the biggest names in the chess world: Grzegorz Gajewski, Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Pentala Harikrishna, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Paddy Upton, and others. Such expertise doesn’t come cheap, and this ecosystem represents a combination of global excellence and Indian vision, underscoring the progress we’ve made as a nation in supporting sports.
Beyond his game, what makes Gukesh remarkable is his maturity and authenticity. His calmness and emotional intelligence at the press conference were awe-inspiring for someone so young. As he answered questions with poise and humility, I couldn’t help but marvel at how grounded he is. Honestly, I’d love to know who trained him in PR and public speaking — his communication skills are as impressive as his chess!

In the final moments of Game 14, nearly at the end, Ding made a one-move blunder in an otherwise drawn game, (55.Rf2, an offer for a rook trade), and commentators around the world jumped off their seats in disbelief. Commotion and celebration broke out across live streams, yet Gukesh remained straight-faced. Ultra calm, he studied the position, took a sip of water, and coolly traded rooks. He knew he was winning but displayed monk-like composure, holding back any visible excitement.
Moments later, after further trading bishops and gaining a decisive pawn advantage, Gukesh finally allowed himself a smile, realising he had secured the championship. But even in this moment of triumph, his respect for the game and his opponent stood out. As Ding contemplated his resignation, Gukesh rose from his chair and turned away, ensuring his reaction wouldn’t come across as disrespectful.

His regard for Ding’s spirit was evident in the post-game press conference, where he praised the Chinese GM's resilience and fighting spirit throughout the match.
With humility, Gukesh even attributed part of his victory to the opponent, saying: “Ding Liren is the real inspiration to me. What I learned from Ding is what an incredible fighter he is—true champions fight until the very end.”
And then, there was that raw, emotional moment when Ding Liren resigned. Gukesh’s face contorted with a mix of laughter and tears, reminding me of Kamal Haasan’s iconic scenes where he does both at once. Except this wasn’t acting — this was pure, unfiltered emotion. For a billion Indians rooting for his win, it was a moment of collective pride and joy.
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What truly sets Gukesh apart is his cultural confidence. In a world where many young people chase trends and pop culture, Gukesh remains unapologetically himself. He meditates with closed eyes before matches, wears a tripundra or vibhuti on his forehead, and after his victory, he touched the chessboard and his eyes—a traditional Hindu gesture of gratitude. His ability to stay grounded while excelling on the global stage sends a powerful message: you can embrace your roots and still be a global champion.
Gukesh’s story isn’t just about chess. It’s about parenting, perseverance, and India’s transformation. It’s about staying true to yourself while reaching for the stars. Most of all, it’s about believing — in your children, in your dreams, and in the idea that greatness can come from anywhere.
Sreeraman Thiagarajan - The author is a Mumbai based tech entrepreneur and a chess enthusiast.