 "D Gukesh Exclusive | 'A childhood dream pushed us to World Chess Championship victory'")
D Gukesh credited his 2024 World Chess Championship win to a dream he had 11 years ago, inspired by Magnus Carlsen’s victory over the legendary Viswanathan Anand in 2013. At just seven years old, Gukesh witnessed Grandmaster Anand’s loss to Carlsen in his hometown of Chennai, sparking his quest to bring the World Chess Championship crown back to India.
Gukesh realised his dream last week by defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling 14-game series (7.5-6.5), becoming the youngest world chess champion in history.
Speaking to Firstpost’s Rupha Ramani on First Sports, Gukesh admitted that 11 years ago, he wasn’t sure he could achieve his dream of becoming the youngest world chess champion, but that vision ultimately became the driving force behind his success.
Gukesh: ‘World Championship dream was driving factor’
“This win is a very special achievement for me, my team, and my family. It has been our dream for many years, and to be here, it’s something we all wanted so really glad,” Gukesh said in the exclusive interview. “I got inspired by watching Vishy sir (Viswanathan Anand) vs Magnus Carlsen match in 2013 in Chennai. When Magnus won the title, I thought it would be good to bring it back to India. (To be) The youngest world champion, I don’t exactly remember how I got this dream but I think I was so young that I didn’t really believe that it would be possible. This dream has been the driving factor behind my and a lot of important people in my life’s efforts to reach here. It’s just a kid’s dream that really pushed us all through.”
After 13 evenly contested games, a last-minute mistake by former champion Ding allowed Gukesh to make history last Thursday. The victory was followed by a rare display of emotion from Gukesh as he celebrated his win and thanked the gods. The youngster also received praise on social media for his composure and f or ensuring the chess pieces were neatly arranged back in their places, even after winning a world championship.
Gukesh revealed that while he was determined to push for a win in Game 14, Ding’s unexpected mistake and the surprising victory led to the emotional celebration that has since gone viral.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“So basically, before he played Rf2 which was the main mistake of the game, I just thought, I will press this game forever and I did not really expect, subjectively, it should end in a draw. I wouldn’t have reacted like that if I had expected (the win), you know if the win was more dominant,” Gukesh told Firstpost.
“We went through so many different emotions in this match and that moment where it finished in the most unexpected way. It was so emotional and I was super excited. Yeah, I just got very emotional at that moment, and the routine of me putting back the pieces and thanking God, it’s part of my routine. It was a beautiful moment. After that to see all my family, they were also emotional, my trainer also had tears in his eyes, to see all the fans celebrating meant the world to me.”
The involvement of mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who has a successful history with India’s men’s cricket and hockey teams, was a significant factor in Gukesh’s World Chess Championship win. Gukesh shared in detail how his association with Upton came about and highlighted the support he received from his sponsor, WestBridge Capital’s Sandeep Singhal.
“Paddy has been a very important addition to the preparation for the match. Soon after the Candidates’ victory, I was in this WACA (WestBridge Anand Chess Academy) celebrations in Bangalore, and we spoke with my sponsor WestBridge, Sandeep (Singhal) sir. And I mentioned that I would be interested in taking mental preparation quite seriously. Sandeep sir suggested that I think about working with Paddy, and he immediately got in touch with Paddy. And we were all super excited to have him on board because we already knew how he contributed to the 2011 World Cup win for India. And after we started working he helped the hockey team win bronze in the Olympics and many, many more achievements. His thinking and his approach to sports and to physical and mental conditioning is very unique and played an important role in my team and my preparation for the World Chess Championship 2024,” Gukesh revealed.
Talking about how exactly Upton helped him, Guksh said: “He’s able to listen to my thinking and the way he is able to put my thoughts in perspective and give very simple, very effective suggestions. And there are a lot of conversations we had that just went with the flow. It was not like, you know, explaining some very complicated theories, but saying very simple theories, and having the best chance of using those strategies to help me in my game. His experience with high-level sports was immense. I have to thank Paddy and Sundeep sir for taking quick action and supporting us throughout this.”
Gukesh reveales why he picked a gaming chair
Gukesh also discussed his choice of chair during the World Chess Championship 2024 games. While the Indian opted for a large gaming chair, the 32-year-old Ding chose a regular office chair. Gukesh revealed that he initially considered using the same chair as Ding but ultimately selected the gaming chair because it was similar to the one he uses at home.
“I think Ding chose the chair first and as far as I know, I think we preferred the chair that he sat on. I had like options of like 10 chairs that I could select. And I think one or two days before the before the first game, I was looking at the chairs, and this was the first chair that I had tried. And I immediately thought this was comfortable because also it’s very similar to the one I’m sitting on right now. So I felt quite comfortable.”
The Indian youngster has received a warm welcome since returning to his hometown in Chennai where a celebratory roadshow was held on Tuesday.
Overwhelmed by the fans’ reaction, Gukesh said he was taken aback by how much the people of Chennai and India enjoyed his win.
“I expected something similar to what happened after Candidates (win), but it was just completely different. And to be honest, I was a bit taken aback. But, you know, it’s nice to see all the support and love from the fans and all the people, all the officials, all the staff and it’s a moment, it’s a very special moment, not only for me but also the country, and for the state. I’m really glad to see what it means to everyone.”
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