I wouldn't have been close to what I am now if it wasn't for Vishy sir: Gukesh
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Apr 25, 2024, 04.51 PM IST
NEW DELHI: Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh on Thursday expressed his profound gratitude towards the legendary Viswanathan Anand, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping his career. Gukesh, aged 17, attributed much of his success to Anand, stating, "I wouldn't have achieved what I have today if it weren't for him."
Gukesh made history on Monday by clinching victory in the Candidates Chess Tournament held in Toronto, thereby securing the title of the youngest ever challenger to the world championship. This achievement surpassed a record established by the iconic Garry Kasparov four decades prior.
His remarkable triumph has set the stage for Gukesh to face off against the reigning world champion, Ding Liren of China, later this year.
"Vishy sir has been a huge inspiration for me and I have heavily benefitted from his academy. I am truly grateful to him and wouldn't have been close to what I am now if it wasn't for him," Gukesh said at a press conference a few hours after his arrival in Chennai to a rousing reception from fans and schoolmates.
Gukesh's training at the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy, established in 2020, underscores the significance of mentorship in his journey to success. It's noteworthy that prior to Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand held the distinction as the sole Indian to have won the Candidates tournament, with his last victory dating back to 2014.
Speaking about his much-anticipated clash against Liren, Gukesh said, "The biggest challenge against Ding would be how I prepare myself and being in the right state of mind since it will be a big match.
"There are a lot of expectations and a lot at stake. I have full belief in myself and will be going in with the same strategy. Hopefully, it will work out well."
The history-making teenager received an overwhelming reception from fans as he returned home to a jubilant atmosphere early this morning.
Hundreds of students from Velammal Vidyalaya, where Gukesh is enrolled, eagerly gathered at the airport well in advance of his arrival, lining up to extend their heartfelt greetings to him.
"I am happy to see what the victory meant to the country. I was delighted to see young kids full of energy and rooting for me the moment I landed in Chennai. It's truly special and means a lot to me," he said.
Gukesh's mother, Padma, a microbiologist, was present at the airport to welcome him back home. His father, Rajinikanth, had accompanied Gukesh on his journey to Toronto.
(With PTI inputs)
Gukesh made history on Monday by clinching victory in the Candidates Chess Tournament held in Toronto, thereby securing the title of the youngest ever challenger to the world championship. This achievement surpassed a record established by the iconic Garry Kasparov four decades prior.
His remarkable triumph has set the stage for Gukesh to face off against the reigning world champion, Ding Liren of China, later this year.
"Vishy sir has been a huge inspiration for me and I have heavily benefitted from his academy. I am truly grateful to him and wouldn't have been close to what I am now if it wasn't for him," Gukesh said at a press conference a few hours after his arrival in Chennai to a rousing reception from fans and schoolmates.
Gukesh's training at the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy, established in 2020, underscores the significance of mentorship in his journey to success. It's noteworthy that prior to Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand held the distinction as the sole Indian to have won the Candidates tournament, with his last victory dating back to 2014.
Speaking about his much-anticipated clash against Liren, Gukesh said, "The biggest challenge against Ding would be how I prepare myself and being in the right state of mind since it will be a big match.
"There are a lot of expectations and a lot at stake. I have full belief in myself and will be going in with the same strategy. Hopefully, it will work out well."
The history-making teenager received an overwhelming reception from fans as he returned home to a jubilant atmosphere early this morning.
Hundreds of students from Velammal Vidyalaya, where Gukesh is enrolled, eagerly gathered at the airport well in advance of his arrival, lining up to extend their heartfelt greetings to him.
"I am happy to see what the victory meant to the country. I was delighted to see young kids full of energy and rooting for me the moment I landed in Chennai. It's truly special and means a lot to me," he said.
Gukesh's mother, Padma, a microbiologist, was present at the airport to welcome him back home. His father, Rajinikanth, had accompanied Gukesh on his journey to Toronto.
(With PTI inputs)