Kudos to Gukesh: President Murmu, PM Modi, and Sports Icons Celebrate Youngest World Chess Champion

Mumbai, Dec 12 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand extended their heartfelt congratulations to 18-year-old D Gukesh for achieving the milestone of becoming the youngest World Chess Champion after defeating Ding Liren from China in Singapore.

Gukesh secured victory by a score of 7.5-6.5, triumphing in the last classical game of their World Championship match after capitalizing on a blunder from the Chinese player in a game that seemed destined for a draw.

He is now recognized as the 18th World Champion in chess history, shattering the previous record held by Garry Kasparov of Russia, who was only 22 when he first claimed the title.

President Murmu led the national applause for the newly crowned World Chess Champion.

"Heartfelt congratulations to Gukesh for being the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship. He has brought immense pride to India. His victory reinforces India’s status as a chess powerhouse.

"Well done Gukesh! On behalf of all Indians, I wish you enduring success in the future," stated the message shared on the official handle of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Gukesh's success as ‘historic and exemplary’.

“Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on achieving this remarkable feat. His victory is a testament to his unparalleled talent, diligence, and unyielding determination,” the PM expressed in his message.

“His success has not only secured his name in chess history but also inspired countless young individuals to dream big and strive for excellence. Best wishes for his future endeavors. @DGukesh,” Modi remarked on his ‘X’ account.

Viswanathan Anand, who ignited the Indian chess movement by winning the World Championship in 2000 against Alexei Shirov of Spain in Tehran, also praised Gukesh for his extraordinary accomplishment.

"Congratulations! This is a proud moment for chess, for India, for WACA, and for me personally. Ding played an exciting match and displayed his championship caliber. FIDE_chess @WacaChess," Anand posted on X.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar remarked that Gukesh's victory has opened up a realm of opportunities.

"In a game of 64 squares, you've unveiled a world of endless possibilities. Congratulations, @DGukesh, on becoming the 18th World Champion at just 18! Following in Vishy’s footsteps, you're now leading the next generation of Indian chess prodigies," Tendulkar tweeted on X.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed that Gukesh has made the entire nation proud.

"Gukesh, you’ve made all of India proud! At just 18, becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is a tremendous achievement. Your dedication and effort remind us that with determination, anything is achievable. Congratulations, champ!" stated the Congress MP on his official handle on X.

“Incredible! At just 18, @DGukesh has etched his name in history! What an achievement - the youngest-ever undisputed classical chess world champion, overcoming the great Ding Liren! This victory marks a pivotal moment for India’s chess revolution, inspiring an entire bold generation of champions to dream and elevate our nation! Congratulations Gukesh!” wrote Gautam Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Group, on his ‘X’ account.

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized that Gukesh's commitment and hard work have made the whole country proud.

"Chess Prodigy. Warm wishes to @DGukesh for clinching the prestigious World Chess Championship title and becoming the youngest World Champion in the history of #Chess.

"Your dedication and hard work have made our entire nation proud!" Dr Mandaviya stated as the nation united to celebrate Gukesh's landmark achievement.