Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congraulated D Gukesh for winning the Chess world championship calling the moment 'historic, exemplary'. Gukesh beat reigning world champion Ding Liren in a match that seemed headed for a draw for most part.
Taking to X (Formerly Twitter) PM Modi wrote, "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 of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours,"
D Gukesh on sacrifices made by parents
The 18-year-old Indian in April created history as he won the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title held by Liren.
While speaking to media post-victory, Gukesh not only thanked his parents and friends but also spoke about the struggle his family had to endure throughout his chess journey. He said that the dream of winning world chess championship is bigger for his parents than him.
He said, "The most sacrifices have been done by my family and friends. We are not a very well off family and had to go through financial crisis. I did not realise it at that point of time. But the kind of lengths they went to."
"At some point in 2017 and 2018 we were running low on money. I could play tournaments and train because my parents friends came forward and sponsored me themselves. So these are all things my parents had to endure for me to just get a chance to play in a tournament"
Before Gukesh's feat on Thursday, the legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia was the youngest world chess champion when he won the title at the age of 22, dethroning Anatoly Karpov in 1985.