 "D Gukesh revealed his plans for 2025. Image: FIDE media")
Having etched his name in history as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, Indian grandmaster D Gukesh took a spiritual detour before setting his sights on an action-packed 2025. The 18-year-old visited the Tirumala Temple in Andhra Pradesh with his family, offering prayers and shaving his head as a mark of gratitude after his historic triumph. This reminded fans of legendary India cricketer MS Dhoni, who had shaved his head after the 2011 ODI World Cup victory.
Speaking to reporters during his visit, Gukesh expressed his long-held desire to visit the temple following his world title victory. “I always wanted to come here after the World Championship, so I’m very happy and had a very good darshan,” he said.
Gukesh reveals his plans for 2025
Gukesh is now gearing up for a crucial year ahead. He revealed his plans for this year while talking to the reporters outside the temple. “There are a lot of important tournaments in 2025, so I’m focusing on that. I want to improve in all formats, and hopefully, with God’s grace, good things will happen,” the Chennai-based prodigy stated.
Gukesh has already had a rollercoaster start to the year. He finished second at the prestigious Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, narrowly missing out on the title to fellow Indian R Praggnanandhaa in the tie-breaker round. However, he faced a tough outing at the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025, where he endured a winless run and finished eighth out of 10 participants.
Despite recent setbacks, Gukesh continues to rapidly rise in the chess world. His stellar performances in classical tournaments have propelled him to third place in the FIDE world rankings, trailing only Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. He is also currently India’s No. 1-ranked player. Gukesh’s crowning moment came last year when he dethroned Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion in Singapore.
Gukesh will next be seen in action during the Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025, scheduled to be held from 8-15 April.