PM Modi meets youngest chess World Champion Gukesh D, receives original chessboard from his victory

Gukesh D made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion, defeating Ding Liren in a thrilling World Chess Championship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with the young champion and shared pictures of their meeting. During the interaction, Gukesh presented Modi with the original chessboard from his championship-winning game.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for Gukesh in a social media post, stating, "Had an excellent interaction with chess champion and India’s pride, D Gukesh! I have been closely following his journey for a few years, and his determination and dedication are truly inspiring. His confidence is remarkable. I remember seeing a video a few years ago where he predicted he would become the youngest world champion— a prediction that has now come true due to his relentless efforts."

Modi received the autographed chessboard from Gukesh, which he described as a cherished memento. He also highlighted Gukesh's calmness and humility, mentioning their discussion on the benefits of yoga and meditation. "Along with confidence, Gukesh embodies calmness and humility. Upon winning, he was composed, basking in his glory while fully understanding how to process this hard-earned victory. Our conversation today revolved around the transformative potential of yoga and meditation," Modi wrote.

The Prime Minister praised the crucial support of Gukesh's parents in his journey to success. "In the success of every athlete, their parents play a pivotal role. I complimented Gukesh’s parents for supporting him through thick and thin. Their dedication will inspire countless parents of young aspirants who dream of pursuing sports as a career," Modi added.

Gukesh's victory came after a marathon 14-game clash against China's Ding Liren. The final game, played with black pieces, saw Gukesh outclass Liren, securing a 7.5-6.5 victory. The match seemed to be heading towards a draw until Liren made a critical blunder at move 55, leading to his resignation. Overwhelmed with emotion, Gukesh, at just 18 years old, became the youngest ever chess world champion.