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00:00At just 18 years old, India's Gukesh Dommaraju stands on the cusp of becoming the youngest
00:12world chess champion in history. Gukesh faces China's Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess
00:19Championship in Singapore, running until December 15. Victory would mark not only a personal
00:25milestone but also strengthen India's place in the global chess arena. Born and raised
00:31in Chennai, a city celebrated as a chess powerhouse, Gukesh's journey began with quiet curiosity.
00:39His parents, Dr. Rajnikanth and Dr. Padma, often played chess at home. Observing them
00:46intently, Gukesh was drawn to the beauty of the game. By age 7, he was competing, and
00:53by 12, he had become the second-youngest grandmaster in history.
00:58Chennai has long nurtured chess champions, notably Vishwanathan Anand, India's first
01:04world chess champion. Anand's dominance, which included five world titles and a rivalry with
01:10Magnus Carlsen, inspired a generation. For decades, no Indian player came close to matching
01:17his accomplishments, until now. Gukesh's rise has been meteoric. From securing two gold
01:24medals at the Chess Olympiad to becoming the world's top-ranked junior, his achievements
01:30reflect focus and sacrifice. His former coach, Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, says the emphasis
01:37of mindset over mechanics shaped Gukesh into a player who thrives under pressure.
01:44In Singapore, Gukesh faces Ding Liren, a seasoned competitor who has also struggled
01:50in recent months. Ranked fifth globally, Gukesh enters as the in-form player, having won against
01:58higher-ranked opponents in the Candidates' Tournament. If he wins, Gukesh will not only
02:04claim the world title, but also a $2.5 million prize. For the country, Gukesh's ascent represents
02:12hope, inspiration and the promise of a bright future for Indian chess. Whether he becomes
02:19champion or not, Gukesh's journey is already a testament to hard work, talent and the enduring
02:27power of dreams.