D Gukesh responds to Magnus Carlsen, says criticism has been 'source of motivation' for him

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has responded to criticism from chess legends such as Magnus Carlsen, saying it has been a source of motivation for him throughout his career. Gukesh had been crowned the youngest world champion in chess history after defeating Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in the FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore earlier this month.

However, even as the 18-year-old from Chennai broke Garry Kasparov’s 39-year-old record and also became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to be crowned world champion, Carlsen was among those questioning the quality of the contest in Singapore and whether it was truly worthy of a world championship.

Speaking to India Today, Gukesh said while his critics had a point because of his age, he ultimately wanted to prove them wrong.

“I knew Magnus was analysing the games on the TakeTakeTake app. Some of my team members were listening in, and got some insights from it. Critics had a point but because of my age I think it’s easier for things to fire me up and I want to prove them wrong. Throughout my career, criticism has been a source of motivation for me. I believe nobody can criticise me the way I do myself,” Gukesh said.

Gukesh had hinted at a showdown with Carlsen after his victory in Singapore, adding that while he had been crowned world champion, his victory over Ding did not necessarily make him the best player in the world.

Also Read | D Gukesh: After a dream 2024, youngest chess world champion faces a tough 2025

in the interview, Gukesh added that it wasn’t anybody’s fault that Carlsen did not want to play the Classical format anymore.

“At that point, I was being honest. It was clear that while the match was between two of the best players in the world, it was not a decider on who is the best. Some players believe that it should be. But when the best player doesn’t want to play, it’s not the fault of other players. As a chess fan, I’d love to see Magnus back,” Gukesh added.

The teenager has opted to skip the ongoing World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York City, in which Grandmaster Koneru Humpy won the women’s rapid title for the second time to cap off an incredible year for Indian chess.