Indian Teenager Emerges as Youngest Contender for World Chess Crown, Set to Challenge Chinese Champion in Canada

In a groundbreaking triumph, Gukesh Dommaraju, the teenage chess sensation hailing from India, clinched victory at the men’s Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, marking him as the youngest contender for the coveted world chess title.

At just 17 years old, Gukesh, widely recognized as Gukesh D, outmaneuvered his opponents, securing a chance to confront the reigning world champion, Ding Liren of China, in the forthcoming 2024 World Chess Championship.

Should Gukesh outplay Ding, who has grappled with a recent slump in performance, he stands poised to shatter Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record as the youngest world champion at the age of 22.

Ranked 16th globally by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Gukesh sealed his triumph with a poised draw against Hikaru Nakamura, a seasoned competitor twice his age and ranked third worldwide.

Gukesh’s impending showdown propels him into the annals of chess history as the youngest contender ever poised to vie for the world chess title.

Reflecting on his historic achievement, Gukesh conveyed mixed emotions, stating, “I was completely emotional but after the game I’m feeling quite good,” during a post-match press conference. Despite his humility, he acknowledged the significance of his accomplishment, remarking, “I don’t really care about [being] the youngest and all these records, but it’s a nice thing to say.”

Amid fervent celebrations in India, where chess enjoys a passionate following, Gukesh expressed his anticipation for the forthcoming challenge, affirming, “I’m very excited to play in the world championship and really looking forward to all the preparations.” His journey, he emphasized, is merely halfway through, hinting at a determined pursuit of further milestones.

The precedent for youthful triumphs in chess was set decades earlier by Russian prodigy Kasparov, who clinched victory at the age of 20 in 1984, paving the way for successive generations of prodigious talents.

Commending Gukesh’s feat, Kasparov underscored the seismic shifts occurring within the global chess landscape, recognizing the burgeoning talent emanating from regions such as Asia and its diaspora communities worldwide.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the chorus of acclaim, lauding Gukesh’s “remarkable achievement” and underscoring his “extraordinary talent and dedication” on social media platforms.

Gukesh’s imminent clash with Ding, the reigning Chinese champion, promises to captivate the global chess community, with details regarding the date and venue of the showdown yet to be disclosed.