New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi led congratulatory messages for Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh who became the youngest world champion on December 12, Thursday after defeating China’s Ding Liren in Game 14 of the World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore.
The Indian superstar claimed a famous victory over the defending champion, who headed into Round 14 as the favourite. But with scores tied at 6.5, Gukesh took full advantage of the blunder and claimed the requisite 7.5 points against 6.5 of Liren after clinching the last classical time control game of the hard-fought contest. Ding made a blunder in the final moments of the game that seemed headed for a draw.
At 18, Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion in the history of the tournament and will get a major share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the host of famous personalities to congratulate Gukesh on his stellar feat.
Reactions as Gukesh scripts history in Singapore
Historic and exemplary!
Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.
His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions… https://t.co/fOqqPZLQlr pic.twitter.com/Xa1kPaiHdg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2024
Top industrialist Anand Mahindra shared a witty post to hail Gukesh’s achievement.
All of India is dancing with you at this very moment @DGukesh ! #GukeshDing
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 12, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu also posted a congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter).
Heartiest congratulations to Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship. He has done India immensely proud. His victory stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse.
Well done Gukesh! On behalf of every Indian, I wish you sustained glory…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 12, 2024
Prominent politician Rahul Gandhi was effusive in his praise for Gukesh.
Gukesh, you’ve made all of India proud! At just 18, becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is a phenomenal achievement.
Your passion and hard work remind us that with determination, anything is possible. Congratulations, champ! pic.twitter.com/wcK4YZmVB9
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2024
Before Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand was the only Indian to win the world title. The five-time champion who won the title in 2013, hailed Gukesh’s achievement.
Congratulations! It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India, a proud moment for WACA, and for me, a very personal moment of pride. Ding played a very exciting match and showed the champion he is.@FIDE_chess @WacaChess pic.twitter.com/o3hq26JFPf
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 12, 2024
What a proud moment for India as 18-year-old Gukesh becomes the 18th world chess champion, the youngest ever. Incredible feat and a truly historic moment.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 12, 2024
Legendary Indian cricketer VVS Laxman also posted a congratulatory message for the Indian Grandmaster.
What a proud moment for India as 18-year-old Gukesh becomes the 18th world chess champion, the youngest ever. Incredible feat and a truly historic moment.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 12, 2024
Gukesh broke almost a four-decade-old record held by Russian icon Garry Kasparov, widely regarded as the best chess player in the history of the sport. Before Gukesh, Kasparov was the youngest world chess champion when he claimed the global title aged 22, defeating Anatoly Karpov in 1985.
From PM Narendra Modi to President Draupadi Murmu to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, prominent personalities hailed D Gukesh for his extraordinary achievement. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
