Viswanathan Anand Was An Inspiration: Champion Gukesh

CHENNAI, (ANI) – Following his International Chess Federation World Championship win, Indian chess sensation D. Gukesh reminisced about how Magnus Carlsen’s victory over former world champion Viswanathan Anand in the 2013 title clash ignited a spark in him to bring the title back to India. He also revealed plans to go bungee jumping after securing the championship.
Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever champion in the history of the sport after defeating China’s Ding Liren in the final game of their FIDE World Championship tie.

During the post-match press conference, Gukesh shared, “In 2013, during the Chess World Championship in Chennai, I looked at Vishy Sir and Magnus and thought it would be really cool to be there one day. To actually sit there and see the Indian flag next to me was probably the best moment of my life. When Magnus won, I thought, ‘I really want to be the one to bring the title back to India.'”

He also revealed his team of trainers, seconds, and training partners, which included Grzegorz Gajewski, Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Pentala Harikrishna, Vincent Keymer, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and Jan Klimkowski. His team also featured mental trainer Paddy Upton, who played a crucial role in India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics hockey bronze medal win.

“Vishy Sir was never officially part of the team, but we all know he was supporting me. He attended one of the training camps and helped remotely during a few sessions,” Gukesh added.

On his bungee jumping plans, Gukesh said, “On the penultimate rest day, maybe after game nine, we went for a walk on the beach. We saw people doing bungee jumping, and Gayu [a teammate] said, ‘If you win this thing, I am going to jump off and do bungee jumping.’ For some reason, I said I would join too. So now, I think I will. Maybe Paddy can join as well. I’m looking forward to jumping off a bridge!”

Gukesh also spoke about an emotional phone call with his mother after his victory, saying, “We were both crying.”

Reflecting on his journey, Gukesh said he has faith in God and credited divine intervention for his success, which saw him go from failing to qualify for the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament to winning it and ultimately claiming the Chess World Championship title.

To the youth, Gukesh offered a simple message: “Keep enjoying chess. You will achieve your dream one day.”

He praised his opponent Ding Liren, calling him a “real inspiration.” “What I learned from Ding is what an incredible fighter he is. True champions fight until the very end,” Gukesh added.

On the possibility of playing Magnus Carlsen for the world title in the future, Gukesh said it would be the “toughest challenge in chess.” He added, “It’s up to Magnus, but I would love to test myself against the best player in the world.”

Earlier in April, Gukesh created history by winning the 2024 FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament, becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title held by Ding Liren.

Overwhelmed by emotions following his triumph, Gukesh broke down in tears, describing the win as the “best moment of his life.”

Also Read: Gukesh,18, Makes History As Youngest Ever World Chess Champion