India’s chess prodigy, D Gukesh, has emerged as a global sensation after becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title. Inspired by the resilience of MS Dhoni and Novak Djokovic under pressure, Gukesh attributes his success to their unwavering mental fortitude.
At just 17, Gukesh shattered Garry Kasparov’s 40-year-old record by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. This historic triumph grants him the opportunity to face reigning world champion Ding Liren of China later this year.
Gukesh’s admiration for Dhoni and Djokovic stems from their ability to perform at their peak under intense scrutiny. “They are big-game players who always come out on top and bring out their best when needed,” he said. “That’s why I’m attracted to them.”
While Dhoni led India to two World Cup victories and five IPL titles, Djokovic has amassed a record 24 Grand Slam titles. Gukesh also draws inspiration from Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion who recently forfeited his qualification spot for 2024.
“There are a lot of things you can learn from him,” Gukesh said of Carlsen. “Not just chess, but also the mental attitude. He has one of the best mentalities in the world in any sport.”
Despite the inherent nervousness associated with chess, Gukesh believes that experience helps players manage their emotions. “We all get nervous, but with experience, we all learn how to deal with it,” he said.
Gukesh is eagerly anticipating his clash with Ding Liren and is confident in his preparations. The All India Chess Federation is exploring the possibility of hosting the world title contest in India.
Kasparov, a legendary chess player, praised Gukesh’s achievement, calling him “the Indian earthquake in Toronto.” Gukesh expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Kasparov is one of my heroes, and to get a huge compliment from him means a lot.”
Beyond chess, Gukesh is an avid sports enthusiast, particularly enjoying tennis. “I like to play some sports, and generally, I am just in love with sports,” he said.
