De Gukesh became the youngest chess world champion on Thursday after defeating Ding Liren. Gukesh won the last classical time control match of 14 games to get the required 7.5 points compared to Liren’s 6.5 which for the most part looked to be headed for a draw.
“I had been dreaming of this moment for the past 10 years. I am happy that I made this dream come true. I was a bit emotional because I did not expect to win. But then I got a chance to press on,” Gukesh said after winning the crown.
Gukesh’s mentor Viswanathan Anand was among the first to congratulate his protégé, saying it was a proud personal moment.
Congratulations! This is a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India, a proud moment for the WACA, and for me, a proud personal moment. Ding played a very exciting game and showed that he is a champion.@FIDE_chess @WacaChess pic.twitter.com/o3hq26JFPf
— Vishwanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 12, 2024
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the young gun for his ‘remarkable achievement’.
Historical and exemplary!
Congratulations to Gukesh D for his remarkable achievement. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.
His victory not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but also inspired millions… https://t.co/fOqqPZLQlr pic.twitter.com/Xa1kPaiHdg
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2024
Javelin star Neeraj Chopra also congratulated Gukesh and said that India is proud.
Congratulations, Gukesh! 👏
The best in the world and the youngest to do it. India is proud! 🇮🇳 https://t.co/PNfXVBf02R
– Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) December 12, 2024
President Draupadi Murmu has also sent a greeting message to the 18-year-old girl
Congratulations to Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship. He has made India very proud. His victory seals India’s authority as a chess powerhouse.
Well done Gukesh! On behalf of every Indian, I wish you glory…— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 12, 2024
Grandmaster Susan Polgar also congratulated Gukesh, but Vladimir Kramnik took a very different view.
The youngest in history, the historic reaction of the 18-year-old world champion! @DGukesh Overcame all difficulties and challenges, and persevered under relentless pressure! Ding finally self-destruct and crack!
So what did we learn from the last game and this game?
– time… pic.twitter.com/TIMpgxKR6r
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 12, 2024
No comments. sad The end of chess as we know it
— Vladimir Kramnik (@VBkramnik) December 12, 2024
Here are other messages:
In the game of 64 categories, you have opened a world of endless possibilities. congratulations, @DGukeshBecame the 18th world champion at the age of 18! Following in Vishy’s footsteps, you are now guiding the next wave of Indian chess prodigies. 🇮🇳♟️🏆
pic.twitter.com/3kPCzGEv1d— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 12, 2024
Wow, beautiful Gukesh.
At the age of 18, Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest world chess champion. Great moment for all of us and you are an inspiration, Gukesh pic.twitter.com/phAhHsIC8a— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 12, 2024
18-year-old Gukesh became the 18th world chess champion, what a proud moment for India, the youngest player ever. An incredible achievement 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 not only won titles but inspired a generation to dream big. Wishing you more success! 🇮🇳🏆♟️ #Gukesh…
— Abhinav A Bindra Oli (@Abhinav_Bindra) December 12, 2024
Gukesh, you have made entire India proud! Becoming the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18 is an unprecedented achievement.
Your passion and hard work remind us that with determination, anything is possible. Congratulations, champion! pic.twitter.com/wcK4YZmVB9
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2024
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