D Gukesh: Inspiring journey of the youngest Grandmaster who will receive the country's highest sports award

The Sports Ministry has announced this year's Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award winners. Apart from shooter Manu Bhaker, this list includes D Gukesh, hockey player Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar. Manu Bhaker created history by winning two medals at the Paris Olympics. At the same time, D Gukesh has received this prestigious honor due to his amazing achievements in the field of chess. Recently, D Gukesh created a new history by winning the World Chess Championship (FIDE) title. He became the youngest grandmaster to win the World Championship with this title.

D Gukesh's feat is a big achievement not only for Indian chess but also at the global level. Let's discuss his journey and achievements in detail.

Great achievement in the World Chess Championship

Before D Gukesh, Vishwanathan Anand had won the title of World Chess Championship. In this way, D Gukesh became the second Indian Grandmaster to win the World Chess Championship title. However, now this Grandmaster has been selected for the Khel Ratna Award. Today we will talk about the journey and achievements of D Gukesh. D Gukesh won the King's Gambit title by defeating Chinese chess player Ding Liren in the finals of the 18th World Chess Championship. In this way, D Gukesh became the youngest grandmaster to win the title. Earlier this record was registered in the name of world champion Garry Kasparov, who won the championship at the age of 22. But D Gukesh achieved this feat at the age of just 18.

Father left his job for D Gukesh

Grandmaster D Gukesh's father Dr. Rajnikanth is an ENT specialist. While his mother is a microbiologist. D Gukesh gives the credit of his success to his father and mother. D Gukesh had to travel from place to place for chess competitions from an early age. Father Rajnikanth even left his job to travel with him.

D Gukesh's career from under-9 to World Championship

D Gukesh first came into the limelight by winning the Under-9 Chess Championship in 2015. After this, he won the first International Chess Master in 2017, which was held in Malaysia. In 2018, he was awarded the World Under-12 Champion in Spain. He became the third youngest chess grandmaster in the world in this category. In 2021, he won the Junius Baer Challengers Chess Tour by 14/19 points. Then this grandmaster defeated the world's number-1 ranked American player in the 44th Chess Olympiad in August 2022. In October, he became the youngest player to defeat Magnus Carlsen (world number one chess player). In 2023, he became the youngest player to get the highest FIDE rating above 2700. By September, he surpassed India's chess master Vishwanathan Anand.

D Gukesh's story not only showcases his sporting prowess but also symbolizes his determination, dedication and family support. By reaching such heights at a young age, he has not only brought glory to India but has also become an inspiration for the new generation in the game of chess. Being honored with the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is another golden chapter in his journey. Even more brilliant performances can be expected from him in the coming years, which will take India to new heights in the field of chess.