The internet was abuzz as D Gukesh defeated Ding Liren on Thursday to be crowned the youngest chess world champion. Gukesh secured the requisite 7.5 points as against 6.5 of Liren after winning the last classical time control game of the 14-game match that seemed headed for a draw for most part.
“I was dreaming this moment for last 10 years. Happy I realised this dream.I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on,” Gukesh said after win the crown.
Gukesh’s mentor Viswanathan Anand was among the first persons to tweet out his congratulatory for his protege, saying it was a very personal moment of pride.
Congratulations! It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India, a proud moment for WACA, and for me, a very personal moment of pride. Ding played a very exciting match and showed the champion he is.@FIDE_chess @WacaChess pic.twitter.com/o3hq26JFPf
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 12, 2024
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the young gun, on his ‘remarkable achievement.’
Historic and exemplary!
Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.
His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions… https://t.co/fOqqPZLQlr pic.twitter.com/Xa1kPaiHdg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2024
Javelin star Neeraj Chopra also wished Gukesh, saying India is proud.
Congratulations, Gukesh! 👏
The best in the world and the youngest to ever do it. India is proud! 🇮🇳 https://t.co/PNfXVBf02R
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) December 12, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu also sent across her wishes to the 18-year-old
Heartiest congratulations to Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship. He has done India immensely proud. His victory stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse.
Well done Gukesh! On behalf of every Indian, I wish you sustained glory…— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 12, 2024
Grandmaster Susan Polgar also congratulated Gukesh but Vladimir Kramnik had a wildly different take.
The historic reaction of an 18 year old World Champion, the youngest in history! @DGukesh overcame all adversity and challenges, and kept on the relentless pressure! Ding eventually self destructed and cracked!
So what did we learn from the final game and this match?
– Time… pic.twitter.com/TIMpgxKR6r
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 12, 2024
No comment. Sad. End of chess as we know it
— Vladimir Kramnik (@VBkramnik) December 12, 2024
Here are the other messages:
In a game of 64 squares, you’ve opened a world of endless possibilities. Congratulations, @DGukesh, on becoming the 18th World Champion at just 18! Following in Vishy’s footsteps, you’re now guiding the next wave of Indian chess prodigies. 🇮🇳♟️🏆
pic.twitter.com/3kPCzGEv1d— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 12, 2024
Woww, you beauty Gukesh.
At just 18, Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest World Chess Champion ever. A great moment for us all and you are an inspiration, Gukesh pic.twitter.com/phAhHsIC8a— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 12, 2024
What a proud moment for India as 18-year-old Gukesh becomes the 18th world chess champion, the youngest ever. Incredible feat and a truly historic moment.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 12, 2024
Congratulations, Gukesh, on becoming the World Chess Champion! Your brilliance, determination, and grace under pressure have made the entire nation proud. You’ve not just won a title but inspired a generation to dream big. Wishing you even greater success ahead! 🇮🇳🏆♟️ #Gukesh…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) December 12, 2024
Gukesh, you’ve made all of India proud! At just 18, becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is a phenomenal achievement.
Your passion and hard work remind us that with determination, anything is possible. Congratulations, champ! pic.twitter.com/wcK4YZmVB9
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2024
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