On 12th December 2024, Hindu chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, aged 18, became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion, after defeating the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China in Singapore. The teenager defeated Ding Liren, who had held the crown for a year, by 7.5-6.5 in their closely fought £2 million match in Singapore. Nine of their 14 games were drawn, and there was never more than a point between them. Gukesh was Born on 29th May 2006 in Chennai, India, and began playing chess at the age of seven. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the second-youngest Grandmaster in history at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old. In October 2022, he became the youngest player to defeat the World Champion, Magnus Carlsen.
Before Gukesh’s matches, he meditates with closed eyes, wears vibhuti (sacred ash) on his forehead and after his victory, he touches the chessboard and his eyes; a Hindu gesture of gratitude and hence Gukesh remains loyal to his culture. As Ding contemplated his resignation, Gukesh rose from his chair and turned away, ensuring that his reaction wouldn’t come out as disrespectful, a reflection of his Dharmic upbringing where even opponents are given respect.
The origins of chess can be traced to ancient India, where, during the 7th century CE, it was denoted as “chaturanga” in Sanskrit, signifying “four divisions of the military.” The game of chess, as recognised today, can be attributed to the Gupta dynasty, which flourished in the 6th century.