Since his World Chess Championship victory in December last year, D Gukesh has been scripting new heights. Recently, the 18-year-old became India No. 1 and also became World No. 3 in the FIDE rankings.
World Chess Champion D Gukesh hands over a memento to his parents J Padmakumari and Rajnikanth.(PTI)
Recently, Gukesh attended India Today Conclave 2025, and opened up on the early struggles his parents had to face, so that he could become a professional chess player. “I remember my parents’ pals sponsoring me to play tournaments overseas. It was fairly troublesome at the moment, and we had lots of assist from very, very good and selfless folks. Now, the final 12 months was financially superb for us,” he stated.
“I think it means a lot to me that my parents don’t have to think about money anymore. We can lead a comfortable life, not struggle like before.”
After his victory in Singapore towards Ding Liren, Gukesh skipped 2024’s year-ending World Fast and Blitz Championship, and returned to motion in Wijk aan Zee on the Tata Masters, the place he got here second after dropping to R Praggnanandhaa within the tie-breaker spherical.
D Gukesh not sure about Freestyle Chess
After the Tata Masters, he was in motion on the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam occasion, the place he endured a winless run. Talking on Freestyle Chess efficiency, he stated, “I don’t think much about it. Freestyle is exciting, and I’m happy to play it. But it’s too early to say where it’s going. We’ve had just two serious tournaments in freestyle so far.”
“I wish freestyle becomes big, but I don’t see it taking over standard chess. The history and legacy of classical chess give it more value. The World Championship cycle still holds the biggest importance for now. Freestyle is a great addition to classical, rapid, and blitz. But yeah, we just have to see how it works. I’m open to all,” he added.
Gukesh’s victory final 12 months additionally noticed him turn out to be the youngest-ever world champion in historical past and India’s second, after Viswanathan Anand. Anand additionally deserves loads of credit score on account of function as WACA mentor.