The Inspiring Journey of D Gukesh: From World Chess Champion to Global Admiration

The story of D Gukesh, the newly crowned champion at the World Chess Championship, is not just one of talent and skill, but also of sacrifice and unwavering support from his parents, Padma Kumari and Rajnikanth. In a recent interview with ChessBase India, Gukesh’s mother shared the challenges and decisions that led to her son’s remarkable success.

Padma Kumari revealed that she and her husband made the bold decision to halt Gukesh’s formal education after the 5th grade in order to focus entirely on his chess career. “There were countless moments when we doubted ourselves,” she admitted. “Whenever he didn’t perform well in tournaments, we would question if we had made the right choice. He was just a child, and the responsibility of shaping his future weighed heavily on us.”

Despite the challenges, their belief in Gukesh’s potential never wavered. “We never doubted Gukesh’s abilities, but the decision to prioritize chess over school was tested time and again,” Padma shared.

Gukesh’s father, Rajnikanth, played a significant role in shaping his son’s character. Padma revealed how Rajnikanth’s insistence on finishing what one starts became a cornerstone of Gukesh’s resilience and determination. “When he was younger, if a tournament didn’t go well, Gukesh would want to withdraw,” she said. “But his father insisted, ‘You have to finish the tournament and fight till the end.'”

Gukesh, reflecting on his journey to becoming a world champion, expressed deep gratitude towards his parents. “I have been dreaming of this moment since I started playing chess at seven, but the dream was probably bigger for my parents than for me,” he said. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family and friends, emphasizing that their support meant everything to him.

The story of D Gukesh’s triumph is not just about his exceptional talent, but also about the sacrifices and dedication of his parents, who believed in him every step of the way. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping Gukesh into the champion he is today.