Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history in December by defeating China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion. The 18-year-old from Chennai secured India’s second world chess title after Viswanathan Anand, but his victory has been met with skepticism from some corners of the chess world.
Following his historic win, Gukesh continued his strong performance, finishing as runner-up in a major tournament and climbing to No. 3 in the FIDE world rankings. However, five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen voiced concerns about the level of play in the championship final, sparking debates about Gukesh’s triumph.
Gukesh’s Response to Critics
In a recent interview with The Times of India, Gukesh addressed the criticism with poise, emphasizing his commitment to his game rather than outside opinions.
“When you play at the World Championship level, criticism is inevitable, and people will say what they want. I will continue to do my job,” he stated. “I’m not active on social media, so a lot of negativity doesn’t reach me easily. But when I do come across it, it only motivates me.”
Gukesh’s mature outlook reflects the resilience that has marked his rise in professional chess. Rather than letting criticism affect him, he uses it as fuel to keep improving.
A Breakthrough Year for Indian Chess
Gukesh’s victory at the FIDE World Championship in Singapore was the highlight of a remarkable year for Indian chess. Earlier in 2024, he became the youngest winner in the history of the Candidates Tournament, securing his place among the world’s elite players. His contributions to India’s gold medal victory in the Chess Olympiad further cemented his growing legacy.
With his name now among chess greats, Gukesh remains focused on his future challenges, letting his game speak for itself as he continues to shape the sport’s future.
