Former chess great Garry Kasparov leads tributes, hailing the Indian prodigy’s exceptional achievement and its significance for Indian chess.
India’s 18-year-old chess sensation, D Gukesh, etched his name into the annals of chess history by winning the World Chess Championship. The achievement has not only solidified his place among the game’s elite but also drawn praise from former world champions, global sports icons, and celebrities. Among the heartfelt accolades, Garry Kasparov’s tweet stands out, as the chess legend congratulated Gukesh while emphasizing the emotional and historical significance of his victory.
Kasparov’s High Praise
Garry Kasparov, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, shared his admiration for Gukesh’s performance. On X (formerly Twitter), Kasparov wrote:
“My congratulations to @DGukesh on his victory today. He has summitted the highest peak of all: making his mother happy! Gukesh impressively surmounted every obstacle and opponent in his path, especially considering his age, and nothing more can be asked.”
The former champion went on to laud Gukesh’s preparation, resilience, and the high level of play throughout the championship. Kasparov acknowledged the significance of this win for Indian chess, describing it as the dawn of a new era:
“Gukesh’s victory caps a phenomenal year for India. Combined with Olympiad dominance, chess has returned to its cradle and the era of ‘Vishy’s children’ is truly upon us!”
Global Sporting Icons and Celebrities React
The magnitude of Gukesh’s victory transcended the chessboard, with sports personalities and public figures joining the celebration. Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar hailed Gukesh as an inspiration for the youth, while Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra called him a beacon of excellence for India. Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, shared congratulatory messages, highlighting the emotional pride his win brought to the nation.
Tennis great Rafael Nadal also added his voice to the chorus, comparing the focus and determination required in chess to that of other elite sports. “Chess may not involve physical movement, but the mental stamina Gukesh has shown is nothing short of extraordinary,” Nadal remarked during a press interaction.
A Historic Milestone for India
Gukesh’s victory comes at a time when Indian chess is experiencing an unprecedented renaissance. Following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, India’s first World Chess Champion, Gukesh represents a generation that has grown up inspired by Anand’s legacy. Dubbed “Vishy’s children,” these young players have consistently showcased their talent on the global stage.
Indian chess saw a surge in international recognition during the Chess Olympiad, where the country’s teams dominated. Gukesh’s win now serves as the crowning glory of this wave of success, affirming India’s position as a chess powerhouse.
Future Challenges and Aspirations
Kasparov, in his tweet, pointed out that Gukesh’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to India’s vast potential:
“India is a nation with an unlimited pool of human talent, combined with the freedom to explore and develop it. The future is bright not only in chess.”
He concluded his message by encouraging Indian chess players to build on this success:
“The summit has been reached, and now the goal must be to raise it even higher for the next ascent.”
A Moment to Remember
As India celebrates Gukesh’s historic triumph, the echoes of his victory resonate far beyond the chess community. With the backing of a proud nation, Gukesh now stands as a symbol of hope and possibility, inspiring generations to dream big and aim higher.
Gukesh’s win not only secures his place in the world championship lineage but also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Indian chess, proving that the cradle of chess continues to nurture the world’s finest players.
