In a recent event, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur felicitated the young chess sensation D Gukesh for his remarkable triumph in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates Tournament. The 17-year-old prodigy met the minister at his residence in New Delhi.
Gukesh’s victory in the FIDE Candidates Tournament in April 2024 was historic as he became the youngest-ever challenger to the world title held by Ding Liren. His final round in Toronto was particularly exciting, where he used black pieces to hold rival championship contender Hikaru Nakamura to a draw, securing his victory.
Anurag Thakur felicitaes Gukesh in a traditional Himachali way
During the meeting, Gukesh and Minister Thakur discussed the game and Gukesh’s experience during the tournament. The minister wished him luck for his future tournaments. Gukesh was also felicitated with a traditional Himachali cap, shawl, and a memento.
It was a pleasure meeting & hosting @DGukesh and his parents at my residence in the company of President @aicfchess, Shri @narangnitin ji.
Congratulated him and his parents on his outstanding success, as he becomes the youngest player ever to win a Candidates tournament,… pic.twitter.com/B2pji6ng7v
— Anurag Thakur (मोदी का परिवार) (@ianuragthakur) May 3, 2024
Gukesh, who is only the second Indian player to win the Candidates Tournament after the legendary Viswanathan Anand in 2014, has set his sights on the World Championship. He expressed his aspirations in an interview, stating, “My next goal is to make it big at the World Championship. I am just planning to do my absolute best and try to do the right things. And be in the ideal shape required to play good chess. And I hope things will go my way”.
The young champion also shared his eagerness to start preparing for the final, expressing his intent to give his best. He hasn’t yet thought about the preparations, but he is eager to start thinking about the match.
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 Candidates Tournament. The 17-year-old prodigy met the minister at his residence in New Delhi.){kind=link}