2024: Indian Chess Prodigy Makes History as Youngest World Champion

The year 2024 will be remembered as a milestone for Indian chess, thanks to an incredible achievement by 18-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh. In a thrilling finale to the World Chess Championship in Singapore, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren to become the youngest undisputed world champion in history.

The decisive moment came in Game 14 of the match. After a series of draws, the game seemed to be heading towards another stalemate. However, on move 55, Gukesh played Rf2 – a seemingly innocuous rook move that proved to be the turning point. Ding made a critical error in response, allowing Gukesh to secure a winning endgame position.

As the magnitude of the moment sunk in, chaos erupted in the venue. Journalists sprinted to witness history unfold, while Gukesh himself broke down in tears after clinching victory. At just 18, he had achieved his lifelong dream and etched his name in the annals of chess history.

Gukesh’s triumph marks only the second time an Indian has claimed the world chess crown, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand. His youth and fighting spirit have electrified the chess world and inspired a new generation of players in India.

As 2024 draws to a close, Gukesh’s historic win stands out as the crowning achievement in a banner year for Indian sport. The nation will long remember the moment an 18-year-old prodigy ascended to the throne of world chess.