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The Rise of Gukesh D: India’s Youngest Chess Phenomenon
Dommaraju Gukesh, popularly known as Gukesh D, is one of India’s most promising chess prodigies. Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh rose to global fame as a teenager for his extraordinary accomplishments in the world of chess. By 2025, at the young age of 19, he had already achieved what most players can only dream of — becoming the World Chess Champion and defeating legendary Grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen in classical chess.
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Early Life and Family
Gukesh was born into a supportive and educated family. His father, Rajinikanth Dommaraju, is an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Padma, is a microbiologist. From an early age, Gukesh showed signs of brilliance and focus. He was introduced to chess at the age of 7. What started as a hobby soon turned into a passion.
He was trained initially at home and later joined local chess academies in Chennai, a city known for producing top chess talent, including Viswanathan Anand, India’s first chess world champion. Inspired by Anand and supported by his parents, Gukesh began his journey toward becoming a chess master.
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Early Achievements
Gukesh’s talent became evident very quickly. He became the world's second-youngest Grandmaster in history at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, just 17 days older than the record holder, Sergey Karjakin. This achievement in January 2019 brought him into the limelight.
He went on to represent India in various international tournaments, winning medals and drawing attention for his mature and fearless playing style. Gukesh consistently beat experienced Grandmasters and performed strongly in high-pressure situations.
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World Championship Glory
The biggest moment of Gukesh’s career came in December 2024, when he defeated China’s Ding Liren, the reigning World Chess Champion, to claim the title himself. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history, breaking a long-standing record previously held by Garry Kasparov.
This historic win was not just a personal achievement but a moment of pride for the entire nation. Gukesh was widely celebrated across India, with congratulations pouring in from political leaders, celebrities, and fellow sportspersons.
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Victory Over Carlsen
In May 2025, during the Norway Chess Tournament, Gukesh made headlines again by defeating Magnus Carlsen, a five-time world champion and one of the greatest chess players of all time, in a classical format for the very first time. This victory was symbolic — the young lion had conquered the king. It cemented Gukesh’s place among the elite players of modern chess.
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Awards and Recognition
For his outstanding contributions to Indian chess, Gukesh was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in January 2025, India’s highest sporting honor. He became the youngest recipient of this award in history.
He was also honored by the Tamil Nadu state government and featured in international media as one of the “Top 30 Under 30” personalities influencing global sports.
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Playing Style and Personality
Gukesh is known for his aggressive but balanced style, often surprising opponents with deep calculations and creative strategies. Off the board, he is soft-spoken, humble, and incredibly disciplined. He meditates regularly and focuses on mental fitness alongside chess training.
He continues to be coached by some of India’s top chess trainers and often trains internationally to refine his skills further.
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Future Goals
Gukesh has expressed his ambition to defend his world title and to promote chess in rural India. He believes in giving back to the sport and wants to inspire more children to take up the game, especially from underprivileged backgrounds.
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Conclusion
Dommaraju Gukesh’s journey from a chess-loving child in Chennai to the World Chess Champion is a testament to talent, hard work, and the right support. With a long career still ahead of him, Gukesh is not just the pride of India — he’s a beacon of hope for aspiring young minds around the world.
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