 "D Gukesh reveals life lessons from his mother: 'Would be happier to hear that you are an even greater person'")
D Gukesh revealed words of advice from his mother that he has made his life mantra after becoming the youngest chess world champion in Singapore last Thursday. Gukesh had his father Rajinikanth by his side when he defeated Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in the FIDE World Chess Championship, becoming the 18th world champion and fulfilling a childhood dream in the process .
Gukesh would call his mother Padmakumari after leaving the venue following his victory in the 14th and final Classical Game of the World Championship, and was seen shedding tears of joy while speaking to her in an emotional moment that was captured on camera by ChessBase India.
The 18-year-old also shared his mother’s heartfelt message, in which she desired her Gukesh to be a great chess player but an even greater person.
“My mother still says: “I’ll be very happy to hear that you are a great chess player, but I would be happier to hear that you are an even greater person. That has been something that I really value a lot. I know I have a lot of things to work on, but I try my best to be a better chess player and a better person,” revealed Gukesh.
Watch | Diljit Dosanjh dedicates Chandigarh concert to World Chess Championship winner D Gukesh
Both of Gukesh’s parents had a major role to play in his meteoric rise in the world of chess, making tremendous sacrifices along the way. His father Rajinikanth had to quit a lucrative career as an Ear-Nose-Throat surgeon in order to accompany his son to tournaments, as a result of which mother Padmakumari, a microbiologist, ended up becoming the sole bread-winner for the family. Gukesh’s family thus had to make several lifestyle changes in order to support his dream of becoming a chess star.
“We weren’t financially well-off, and my parents faced significant struggles,” Gukesh said after his victory. “At one point, in 2017 and 2018, we were so low on funds that my parents’ friends had to sponsor me. They even made lifestyle changes just so I could play in tournaments. Their sacrifices were immense,” Gukesh added.
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