Hikaru Nakamura on Gukesh, Ding Liren, and the Future of Indian Chess
Hikaru Nakamura, the World No 2 in chess, has made his loyalties clear as 18-year-old D Gukesh gears up to challenge holder Ding Liren for the title of the youngest world champion in history next month in Singapore. In a recent interview with The Indian Express, Nakamura expressed his unwavering support for Gukesh, stating that he would be “beyond disappointed” if the Indian prodigy does not emerge victorious.
Nakamura highlighted the significant support that Indian players like Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa are receiving from private sponsors, a luxury he did not have even after establishing himself as an elite Grandmaster. He emphasized how this support allows the Indian players to focus solely on their game and strive for excellence without the burden of financial concerns.
The American Gambits’ icon player also praised the performance of the Indian team at the Chess Olympiad, particularly noting the hunger and motivation displayed by players like Arjun and Gukesh. He expressed his belief that the future of Indian chess is incredibly bright, with the potential for two Indian players to face off in a World Championship match in the coming decade.
When asked about maintaining motivation at the highest levels of the game, Nakamura credited the evolving landscape of chess and the availability of resources for keeping his passion alive. He emphasized the importance of diverse tournament formats in keeping players engaged and excited to compete.
Nakamura also touched upon the changing dynamics of chess, with rapid and blitz formats gaining popularity due to the fast-paced nature of modern society. He discussed the need for FIDE to adapt to these changes and potentially alter the World Championship cycle to accommodate different formats.
Ultimately, Nakamura’s love for chess stems from the creativity and originality that each game brings, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities for strategic thinking that the game offers. As Gukesh prepares to take on Ding Liren in the upcoming World Championship, Nakamura’s unwavering support and admiration for the Indian chess scene serve as a testament to the growing talent and potential within the country’s chess community.