D Gukesh: 'Mother's words resonate deeply with me. Success in life is incomplete if one isn’t kind and humble'

D Gukesh is not content to rest on his historic laurels and remains determined to strive toward becoming the greatest chess player of all time. Gukesh, who recently became the youngest chess world champion, has often discussed how he wants to become the world No.1 player , but in a recent interview, the 18-year-old from Chennai added that he wants to stay “humble” in his attempt scale to the top of the chess world.

Gukesh said that his mother Padma Kumari constantly keeps reminding him that being a good human being is above everything and that is going to be his value system in his chess career.

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“My mother keeps reminding me of the importance of values and morals. She often narrates stories from epics and shares meaningful quotes, urging me to be a good human being above anything else. Her words resonate deeply with me. Success in life is incomplete if one isn’t kind and humble,” Gukesh said in an interview with the Economic Times.

Talking about the sacrifices of his father Rajnikanth , who left his medical practice to travel with his son to tournaments, and mother Padma who worked as the sole breadwinner in the finally, Gukesh said: “My family has played a huge role in my journey. I’m incredibly thankful for their care and sacrifices. They have given up a lot in their own careers to see me succeed. I continue to learn from them every day.”

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Gukesh: ‘I’m determined to keep pushing myself’

Gukesh reiterated that winning the World Chess Championship 2024 , against former world champion Ding Liren, doesn’t mean he is the “best player in the world” and he aims to dominate the sport. While Gukesh is the new chess world champion, he is still 105 Elo rating points behind world No.1 Magnus Carlsen.

“Winning the World Championship doesn’t mean that I’m the best player in the world. Winning the championship is just one milestone, and I’m determined to keep pushing myself to reach greater heights. My ultimate goal is to become the best player in the world and dominate the sport. That’s what I’ll be working towards next — to improve my game and strive to be the best.”

Gukesh, who will not be taking part in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2024, will be seen in action next month in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 at Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands.