December 13, 2024: D. Gukesh’s historic victory at the FIDE World Chess Championship has sent waves of pride throughout India, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has rightfully hailed this achievement by announcing a generous prize of ₹5 crore for the young chess prodigy. Gukesh’s victory, which made him the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, is a monumental moment not just for the sport, but for India, as it further cements the nation’s growing dominance in the world of chess.
Gukesh, at just 18 years old, triumphed over China’s Ding Liren in a gripping final match that saw the two players tied at 6.5-6.5 heading into the final game. With a 7.5-6.5 victory, Gukesh showcased incredible composure and skill under pressure, securing his place in chess history. The victory is all the more significant given that, just months earlier, Gukesh had also won the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, becoming the youngest player ever to challenge for the World Chess Championship title.
The ₹5 crore prize announced by CM Stalin is not just a financial reward but a symbol of the immense pride and joy Gukesh’s victory has brought to the nation. In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Stalin praised Gukesh for his monumental achievement and extended his congratulations, adding that this victory has brought immense joy to both Tamil Nadu and the entire country.
His recognition is also a reflection of Tamil Nadu’s ongoing support for its athletes, particularly in the field of chess, a sport that has seen a resurgence in popularity due to the success of players like Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand, and Koneru Humpy. CM Stalin specifically thanked Udhayanidhi Stalin and the Sports TN department for their exceptional support in nurturing the young champion, highlighting the importance of government backing in the development of talent at all levels.
Gukesh’s victory was a tense, hard-fought battle, with Game 13 ending in a draw and setting the stage for a nail-biting final round. In his post-match interview, Gukesh described the moment as “the best moment of his life,” overwhelmed by the significance of his achievement. His triumph is all the more impressive considering the level of competition and the mental fortitude required to outlast a seasoned champion like Ding Liren.
On the other hand, Ding Liren acknowledged his own disappointment in the final game, admitting to a blunder that ultimately cost him the match. However, he expressed no regrets, noting that he had played his best tournament of the year. Ding’s humble acceptance of the result adds a layer of sportsmanship to the intense competition.
This victory not only propels Gukesh into the global spotlight but also highlights India’s strength in chess. With rising stars like Gukesh, India’s presence in global chess tournaments is undeniably significant, and his victory represents a new era for Indian chess, following in the footsteps of Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand.
The future of Indian chess is looking incredibly bright, and Gukesh’s triumph is bound to inspire the next generation of players. The ₹5 crore prize is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary talent and hard work, and it’s likely to inspire even more young minds in Tamil Nadu and across India to take up chess professionally.
