In the realm of Indian chess, the age of 17 has emerged as a pivotal milestone, marking a transition from adolescence to adulthood. It is an age where young prodigies are often dismissed as lacking the experience and maturity to compete with the elite. However, two exceptional talents, R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh, have shattered these stereotypes, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.
Praggnanandhaa, now 18, made headlines in 2023 when he reached the final of the World Cup, defeating a string of world-class players along the way. Gukesh, still 17, is currently tied for first place in the prestigious Candidates tournament in Toronto, with just two rounds remaining. Should he emerge victorious, he will have the opportunity to challenge for the world championship.
Gukesh’s performance in the Candidates has been nothing short of remarkable. He has displayed a level of composure, focus, and resilience that belies his age. Even after a heartbreaking loss that threatened to derail his tournament chances, he rebounded with a decisive win in the next game.
This resilience is not new to Gukesh. At the age of 15, he suffered a devastating loss in the final round of the Reykjavik Open, missing a tactic that cost him the tournament victory. However, he quickly recovered, defeating Praggnanandhaa in a rematch a week later and going on to win three more tournaments in Spain without losing a single game.
Gukesh’s success can be attributed to his unwavering dedication to chess. Unlike many young players who are pushed into the game by ambitious parents, Gukesh’s passion for the game was self-driven. He chose to prioritize chess over academics, a decision that was supported by his parents despite its unconventional nature.
Going into the Candidates, Gukesh’s chances were not widely touted. History has shown that young talents often struggle under the intense pressure of high-stakes competition. However, Gukesh has proven to be an exception. He has stuck to his game plan, remaining calm and patient, and has shown a maturity that belies his years.
Gukesh’s performance has not only impressed the chess world but has also challenged the perception of young players as lacking in experience and maturity. He has shown that age is no barrier to greatness and that with dedication, focus, and resilience, anything is possible.
