Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh Makes History with India’s First-Ever Chess Olympiad Gold

Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh Makes History with India’s First-Ever Chess Olympiad Gold

Chennai: Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh, the third-youngest GM in the history of chess, has made history by leading India to its first-ever chess Olympiad gold in the ‘Open’ category in Budapest. Gukesh’s journey from a young boy with a passion for chess to a world-class chess exponent has been nothing short of remarkable.

Gukesh’s childhood coach, V Bhaskar, who spotted his talent at Velammal Vidyalaya when he was just seven years old, spoke about the dedication and hunger for excellence he saw in Gukesh from a very young age. Bhaskar mentioned that Gukesh’s willingness to experiment with his game and his hard work led him to become the third-youngest Grandmaster in the world.

Gukesh’s contribution to India’s gold medal win at the Olympiad was significant, winning nine out of the 10 matches he played with one ending in a draw. His wins against opponents were crucial in securing the gold in the ‘Open’ category, making him a key player in the historic victory for the Indian team.

Ramesh Babu, the father of R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali, also had double joy as both his children won gold in the prestigious biennial team chess event. GM Praggnanandhaa and his sister Vaishali played pivotal roles in the men’s and women’s team victories, respectively.

The success of Indian chess players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali has not only brought pride to their families but has also given a significant boost to the game of chess in the country. Chess is gaining popularity as a career choice among youngsters, with more people showing interest in the game.

As Gukesh prepares to challenge world champion Ding Liren later this year in Singapore, the hopes and aspirations of the Indian chess community are high. With a strong determination to improve their ratings and aim for the title of world champion, players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali are setting their sights on even greater success in their careers.

The achievements of these young chess prodigies are not only a testament to their talent and hard work but also a source of inspiration for aspiring chess players across the country. India’s victory at the chess Olympiad and the individual successes of players like Gukesh are sure to leave a lasting impact on the future of chess in India.