D Gukesh’s Father Credits Senior Indian Grandmaster for World Championship Victory

D Gukesh’s father credits senior Indian Grandmaster for World Chess Championship victory

In a historic moment for Indian chess, 18-year-old D Gukesh made headlines by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion after defeating defending champion Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship in Singapore. While Gukesh’s victory was celebrated nationwide, his father Rajnikanth had special praise for a senior Indian Grandmaster who played a significant role in his son’s success.

Speaking to ChessBase India, Rajnikanth revealed that it wasn’t Viswanathan Anand, but rather Grandmaster Harikrishna who had a major impact on Gukesh’s growth as a player. Harikrishna, a 38-year-old Grandmaster from Andhra Pradesh, worked closely with Gukesh in 2022, which proved to be a turning point in the young player’s career.

According to Rajnikanth, the week-long training camp with Harikrishna in 2022 helped Gukesh elevate his game, leading to impressive victories in various tournaments. Harikrishna continued to support Gukesh during the Candidates Tournament and the World Championship Match, providing guidance and mentorship along the way.

Gukesh’s triumph at the World Chess Championship not only garnered praise from former and current players but also sparked interest from reigning champion Magnus Carlsen. However, Carlsen has already dismissed the idea of challenging Gukesh for the title, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the two in upcoming tournaments.

As Gukesh’s star continues to rise in the world of chess, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and exciting competitions in the future. Stay updated with the latest sports news, including updates from the Olympics 2024 and other major tournaments, to follow the journey of Indian athletes on the global stage.