Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met newly-crowned chess world champion D Gukesh and described him as a assured younger participant who was an embodiment of calmness and humility.
Gukesh, 18, displayed exceptional poise and nerves of metal to defeat China’s Ding Liren in Singapore to turn into the youngest chess world champion, surpassing Russian nice Garry Kasparov, who received the crown in 1985 at 22.
“Had an excellent interaction with chess champion and India’s pride, DGukesh!” the PM posted on ‘X’ after assembly Gukesh and his mother and father right here. “I have been closely interacting with him for a few years now, and what strikes me most about him is his determination and dedication. His confidence is truly inspiring.
“In reality, I recall seeing a video of his few years in the past the place he had mentioned he would turn into the youngest world champion – a prediction that has now clearly come true due to his personal efforts,” Modi wrote.
Gukesh turned solely the second Indian after the good Viswanathan Anand to assert the world title. Anand performed a pivotal function in shaping {the teenager} at his academy right here. The teenager has loved a stellar 12 months, beginning together with his win within the Candidates Tournament in Toronto that made him the youngest challenger to the world crown.
“Along with confidence, Gukesh embodies calmness and humility. Upon winning, he was composed, basking in his glory while fully understanding how to process this hard-earned victory. Our conversation today revolved around the transformative potential of yoga and meditation.”
Gukesh additionally spearheaded India’s first-ever gold-winning marketing campaign within the Chess Olympiad in Budapest earlier this 12 months. Modi additionally backed Gukesh’s mother and father for giving their whole-hearted assist of their ward’s journey to the world title.
“In the success of every athlete, their parents play a pivotal role. I complimented Gukesh’s parents for supporting him through thick and thin. Their dedication will inspire countless parents of young aspirants who dream of pursuing sports as a career.”
During the assembly, the younger Grandmaster gifted Modi the chessboard on which he received the sport. “I am also delighted to have received from Gukesh the original chessboard from the game he won. The chessboard, autographed by both him and Ding Liren, is a cherished memento,” the PM wrote.
After the assembly, Gukesh mentioned he felt humbled by the “generosity” and “thoughtfulness” of the PM. “Today, I had the absolute honour of meeting our Honourable Prime Minister. It was one of the most cherished moments of my life. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to PM Sir for his kindness in taking the time to meet me despite his busy schedule.
“His assist and encouragement function a catalyst for kids like me and are an incredible supply of inspiration. I really feel really humbled by his generosity and thoughtfulness,” Gukesh wrote on ‘X’. “What left me utterly speechless throughout the assembly was when PM Sir began discussing my video games, together with the World Chess Championship! It was really surreal!
“I cannot find the words to fully express my gratitude to PM Sir. Your words of encouragement have filled me with renewed energy and motivation,” wrote Gukesh.
