NEW DELHI: Indian president Droupadi Murmu honoured D Gukesh, the youngest-ever world chess Champion, with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.
Gukesh’s extraordinary achievements this year have redefined the landscape of chess, not just in India but globally.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh clinched the World Chess Championship title, defeating defending champion Ding Liren in a nail-biting final in Singapore.
Saif Ali Khan Health Update
The victory made him the youngest world champion in chess history, breaking Garry Kasparov’s record set in 1985 when he became champion at 22.
Gukesh is also the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to claim the coveted chess crown.
Watch:
The climactic Game 14 of the championship saw Gukesh emerge victorious in the Reti Opening, King’s Indian Attack variation, after 58 moves.
The game, initially heading toward a draw, tilted in Gukesh’s favour when Ding made a critical blunder on the 55th move.
The error allowed Gukesh to gain a decisive advantage, converting it into a historic win with a final scoreline of 7.5-6.5.
Despite immense pressure, Gukesh displayed impeccable composure, eventually overpowering the 32-year-old Chinese Grandmaster.
Gracious in his moment of triumph, Gukesh wept tears of joy, bowed before the chessboard, and ensured the arrangement of both his and Ding’s pieces before leaving the stage.
Gukesh’s victory is a milestone not only for Indian chess but also for the global chess fraternity. His triumph, marked by dedication and humility, cements his legacy as a modern legend of the 64 squares.