Image source: X
The chess world witnessed a momentous event as 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster (GM) D Gukesh etched his name into the annals of history by becoming the youngest world chess champion. With this feat, Gukesh broke the long-standing record held by Russian GM Garry Kasparov, who had claimed the title at the age of 22 in 1985 by dethroning Anatoly Karpov.
Kasparov, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, took to social media to congratulate the young prodigy. “My congratulations to @DGukesh on his victory today. He has summitted the highest peak of all: making his mother happy!” wrote the 61-year-old legend on X (formerly Twitter).
A Record Broken After Nearly Four Decades
Kasparov’s record stood unchallenged for 38 years, making Gukesh’s achievement even more remarkable. Gukesh secured his world championship title by defeating Chinese GM and defending champion Ding Liren with a score of 7.5-6.5, clinching the final game in a nail-biting finish in Singapore.
The former world champion expressed admiration for Gukesh’s resilience and composure throughout the championship. “Gukesh impressively surmounted every obstacle and opponent in his path, especially considering his age, and nothing more can be asked,” Kasparov noted.
Kasparov’s Thoughts on Indian Chess
Kasparov, who has closely followed the evolution of chess globally, highlighted the broader significance of Gukesh’s triumph for Indian chess and sports. “India is a nation with an unlimited pool of human talent, combined with the freedom to explore and develop it. The future is bright not only in chess,” he remarked.
Labeling Gukesh’s victory as a stepping stone, Kasparov emphasized the potential for further growth. “The summit has been reached, and now the goal must be to raise it even higher for the next ascent. Congratulations again. Upward!” he added.
A New Chapter for Chess
The lineage of world chess champions has been historically dominated by players from the former Soviet Union and, more recently, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh’s win marks a significant shift, as he becomes only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the coveted title.
Kasparov acknowledged the unique context of this championship, saying, “My thoughts on the historical world championship lineage with Magnus outside are known, but that is not the story today.” His remarks underline the significance of Gukesh’s individual achievement within the broader chess narrative.
Gukesh: A Rising Star Inspiring a Nation
Gukesh’s triumph is not just a personal milestone but a moment of pride for India, a nation that has steadily risen in the global chess arena. Kasparov’s words of encouragement resonate with the broader aspirations of Indian sports, as the country continues to produce world-class talent in multiple disciplines.
Gukesh’s journey to the top has inspired a generation of young chess enthusiasts, reinforcing the idea that age is no barrier to excellence. His win serves as a beacon of hope and ambition for aspiring players, proving that dedication and talent can rewrite history.
Conclusion
Garry Kasparov’s heartfelt congratulations and insights highlight the global impact of D Gukesh’s historic victory. Breaking a 38-year-old record held by one of chess’s greatest legends, Gukesh’s achievement symbolizes the dawn of a new era in the sport.
With the support and admiration of stalwarts like Kasparov, Gukesh’s success is poised to elevate Indian chess to greater heights, inspiring future generations to dream big and aim higher. As Kasparov aptly put it, “The future is bright.”
