India’s Chess Prodigy: A Personal Account of Gukesh’s Triumph
Watching Gukesh Dommaraju’s journey to becoming the World Chess Championship was an experience of its own league. Seeing this young, brilliant mind capture the hearts of millions was amazing. I remember the excitement during the Candidates Tournament.
Every game was a nail-biter, a rollercoaster of emotions. Gukesh’s relentless drive to win, unwavering focus, and ability to bounce back from setbacks were truly inspiring. I could feel the tension in the air, the anticipation of every move.
Though he entered the World Championship Match as the fan-favourite, the fight against Ding Liren was more intense than anything I’ve seen. Each game was a battle of wills with both parties showcasing a brilliant feat of determination and perseverance.
I was on the edge of my seat, anxiously watching the moves from both players for hours on end. Gukesh’s resilience was awe-inspiring. He faced challenges, setbacks, and immense pressure, yet he kept his head high and his resolve higher. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and to think creatively was truly remarkable.
Ding Liren, the defending champion, was a formidable opponent. He is clearly a seasoned player, with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. No matter how favoured our Challenger may have been, Ding made it clear right out of the gate that this match wasn’t going to be a cakewalk.
With every match, Ding put his absolute best foot forward, pushing Gukesh to his limits. The tension in the air was palpable with each passing game — keeping viewers engrossed right up till the final match.
The championship match was a rollercoaster ride. Gukesh stumbled in the first game, but he didn’t let it get him down. He bounced back, winning the third game to level the score. The middle games were a back-and-forth affair, with both players fighting with everything they had.
As the match progressed, it became clear that Gukesh had the mental edge. He was calm under pressure, making smart decisions even when time was running out. In the eleventh round, he delivered a knockout punch, defeating Ding Liren to take the lead.
However, Ding Liren wasn’t giving up. He fought back in the twelfth round, winning the game to level the score once again. The thirteenth round was a draw, setting the stage for a dramatic final game.
The final game of the match was a tense affair, with both players pushing each other to the brink. Both players displayed incredible resilience and determination, fighting tooth and nail for every point. It was a true test of nerves.
Gukesh had a slight advantage, but Ding Liren was putting up a fight that is sure to go down in history. As the evaluation bar hung around the 50–50 mark for the majority of the match, the chances of a win were slim to none. Every chess enthusiast around the world sat waiting for either player to offer an official draw and lead both players into a deciding tiebreaker the following day.
Ding was the first to show signs of moving towards a draw but Gukesh persevered. In the post-match interview, the newly crowned World Champion claimed that he was ready to push the current position for as long as possible before agreeing to call it a draw. He stated that he was prepared for the match to run another five to six if that’s what it took; and in the end, this resolve is exactly what led to his ground-breaking victory.
With over an hour left to Gukesh’s disposal and a mere ten minutes to Ding, the latter made a move. I remember looking at the screen with my eyes wide and my heart pounding as the evaluation bar shot up to almost fully black. Ding had blundered. The moment both players realized this — along with the rest of the world — was one that still gives me goosebumps.
It was a moment of pure happiness. The excitement, the relief, the pride. It will forever be etched in my memory. Gukesh’s victory is not just a victory for him, but a victory for India.
It’s a victory for the entire Chess scene of the country — and its future. Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to hard work, dedication, and sheer talent. It’s a story that is going to pave the way to the future of Chess in India.
It brings me so much pride and joy to see how the game has evolved over the years. The future looks bright. Online chess is making the game more accessible, and new technology is changing the way we play. Gukesh’s victory is a huge moment for Indian chess, and it’s inspiring a new generation of young players.
His journey is a story of hard work, dedication, and sheer talent. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset, support, and a never-give-up attitude, anyone can achieve their dreams.
I hope that this victory will elevate chess to the same level as other popular sports in India, inspiring a new generation of young minds to explore, learn, and participate in the game.
I hope to see waves of new talent emerge from our country, joining Gukesh Dommaraju and other promising players in the archives of the greatest players the world has ever seen. India has always been a chess powerhouse — from pioneering the game in the first place to bringing new talents to the stage year after year — and Gukesh’s victory is the latest chapter in our Golden history.
