India on Thursday hailed 18-year-old chess prodigy Gukesh Donmaraju after he became the youngest world champion with a thrilling final victory over China’s Ding Liren.
Gukesh surpassed Russian record Garry Kasparovwon the title at the age of 22 after a dramatic late victory in Singapore.
According to a BBC report, Donmaraju broke down in tears as the audience erupted in cheers.
“Maybe I got very emotional because I never thought I would get that position,” he said, according to Reuters.
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He also became the second Indian to hold the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to what he called a “historic and exemplary” achievement.
“Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable achievement. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination,” PM Modi wrote on social media.
“His victory not only etched his name in chess history, but also inspired millions of young people to dream big and pursue excellence. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Masu.”
Mr. Anand, who played a mentor role in Gukesh’s amazing journey, said the teenager had excelled.
“Congratulations! This is a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India… and a very personal proud moment for me,” Anand told X.
Gukesh won the final game, which looked headed for a draw with another tie-break match needed, after capitalizing on a blunder by Ding.
According to the BBC, Chess.com wrote in its post-match summary: “Ding looked like he had a chance to push for a risk-free victory, but instead found himself in a pawn-down endgame.” “It should have been a draw, but Ding made a mistake as the pressure increased.”
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Abhinav Bindra, an Indian sports shooter and Olympic gold medalist, said the teenager was an “inspiration for a generation”.
“Your brilliance, determination and grace under pressure has made the entire nation proud,” Bindra said.
“You not only won the title, you inspired a generation to dream big. We wish you even more success in the future!”
Born in the southern Indian city of Chennai to a doctor father and a microbiologist mother, Gukesh became India’s youngest grandmaster at the age of 12 years, 7 months and 17 days, and the youngest in the history of the sport.
He became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious Candidates Tournament held in April, reaching the world championship title.
