'Best Moment Of My Life': D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion
Gukesh became the first Indian grandmaster to win the crown since Viswanathan Anand in 2012.
India's Dommaraju Gukesh scripted history by defeating Ding Liren of China in the last game of the 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore on Thursday to become the youngest world chess champion.
The 18-year-old is now the 18th world chess champion. Gukesh became the first Indian grandmaster to win the crown since Viswanathan Anand in 2012.
Gukesh won a total of 7.5 points after he beat Liren, who was the defending champion, in the 14th game, which seemed like headed for a draw as both were tied 6.5 points each before the start.
Probably, the best moment of my life.D Gukesh
President Droupadi Murmu said Gukesh's victory stamped the authority of India as a chess powerhouse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Gukesh's remarkable accomplishment as historic and exemplary!
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said Gukesh's win "helps Chennai reaffirm its place as the global Chess Capital by producing yet another world-class champion".
Former five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who lost the title to Magnus Carlsen in 2013, also congratulated Gukesh, saying it was a "very personal moment of pride".
Billionaire Gautam Adani said the win is a defining moment for India's "chess revolution, where an entire bold generation of champions dares to dream and inspires an entire nation to rise!"
