Gukesh Celebrates Vaishali’s Triumph at 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament as He Prepares for World Championship Defense
Gukesh Celebrates Vaishali’s Triumph as He Prepares for World Championship Showdown
Chennai, April 29, 2026 — In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, reigning World Chess Champion Gukesh D expressed his elation over R Vaishali’s stunning victory at the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament held in Cyprus. Vaishali’s triumph not only secured her a spot in the upcoming Women’s World Championship but also showcased the rising talent of Indian chess on the global stage.
At a recent celebration ceremony in Chennai, Gukesh couldn’t contain his excitement. “I was following Vaishali Akka’s game and I just screamed when she won,” he shared, his voice brimming with pride. His enthusiasm resonated with the audience, who cheered for the duo, both of whom are making significant strides in their chess careers.
Vaishali’s victory was nothing short of dramatic. Facing a must-win situation in the final round, she delivered an impressive performance against Kateryna Lagno, finishing the tournament with 8.5 points and edging out Bibisara Assaubayeva by a narrow half-point. Her success sets the stage for a highly anticipated clash with reigning champion Ju Wenjun for the world title.
In a light-hearted moment, Vaishali responded to Gukesh’s exuberance with a hopeful remark: “I hope we both will win (the World Championship) and we’ll have yet another celebration,” eliciting laughter and applause from the crowd.
While Vaishali rides a wave of momentum, Gukesh faces a more challenging path. Since becoming the youngest world champion in 2024, the 20-year-old has experienced a dip in form, losing around 51 rating points and facing increasing scrutiny. As he prepares to defend his title against Javokhir Sindarov, who recently made headlines with a historic Candidates campaign, Gukesh is determined to reclaim his winning form.
The upcoming championship clash promises to be a historic event, marking the youngest title fight in chess history. Both players are set to showcase their skills on a global platform, with the chess community eagerly anticipating the showdown.
As Gukesh and Vaishali continue to inspire the next generation of chess players, their journeys reflect the growing prominence of Indian chess on the world stage. With both champions poised for greatness, the future of chess in India looks brighter than ever.