Gukesh Dommaraju (also called Gukesh D or Gukesh)
May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India
18 (as of 2024)
Gukesh discontinued regular schooling after completing Class IV to dedicate more time to his chess training and tournaments. His remarkable talent and early successes in chess tournaments led his family to prioritise his chess career over traditional education pathways.
Known for composure, strategic brilliance, and adapting under pressure
Defeated Magnus Carlsen in October 2022, becoming the youngest player to do so after Carlsen became World Champion
A new era has begun with India's Grand Master Gukesh Dommaraju as chess world champion.
Congratulations to our youngest Indian Grandmaster, Gukesh, for winning the 2024 FIDE World Championship. After an extremely tough 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore, which abruptly ended when Chinese former champion Grandmaster Ding Liren was defeated in the final classical game.
Chess, a game of intellect, strategy, and patience, has been a battleground for some of the world's sharpest minds. Over the years, the world of chess has seen the emergence of many grandmasters, but few have made as impressive mark as Gukesh Dommaraju, one of India's brightest young chess stars. From a young age, his innate talent for the game became evident, and he has since taken the chess world by storm. His rise to prominence symbolises his brilliance and the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage.
According to the source, Gukesh Dommaraju was born on 29 May 2006 in Chennai to a Telugu family from Andhra Pradesh. Gukesh's family originates from Chenchuraju Kandriga village near Satyavedu in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh state.
Gukesh Dommaraju exhibited a keen interest in chess from an early age. Knowing his passion, his parents supported his journey in the world of chess, providing him with the necessary resources and encouragement to hone his skills. Gukesh started playing chess at the age of seven in 2013 and eventually began structured one-hour sessions three times a week. He dropped out of school after Class IV to focus on his chess career. His sharp mind and eagerness to learn chess allowed him to catch up with his peers quickly.
By age ten, Gukesh had already begun to make a name for himself, winning several state-level tournaments. His talent and dedication paid off at the age of 12. On 15th January 2019, he became one of the youngest chess players in the world to achieve the title of International Master (IM). But this was only the beginning of his extraordinary journey. In 2019, Gukesh reached another milestone by earning the title of Grandmaster (GM) at 12 years and 7 months, making him the second-youngest GM in the world.
Gukesh’s rise continued at an unprecedented pace. His consistency in top-tier tournaments is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and raw talent. One of his most significant achievements came in 2022 when he became the youngest Indian player to break into the world’s top 20 chess players. This was a considerable accomplishment, highlighting his technical prowess and mental fortitude under pressure.
In 2023, Gukesh continued to impress by winning some of the most prestigious chess tournaments, including the Chess.com Global Championship qualifiers, where he showcased his skills against some of the best chess players in the world. His remarkable ability to play under pressure and innovative strategies on the board made him a formidable opponent to watch out for.
What makes Gukesh particularly intriguing as a player is his playing style.
Known for his aggressive yet precise approach, Gukesh has a flair for tactical brilliance. His ability to think multiple moves ahead while maintaining a steady hand in complex positions has earned him accolades from chess analysts and enthusiasts worldwide. In contrast to many of his peers, Gukesh does not shy away from sharp positions and is always ready to take the initiative, which makes him an exciting player to watch.
His versatility is also one of his strongest points. While many top-level players have preferred openings and strategies, Gukesh is known for his adaptability. He does not rely on a single opening but mixes his styles, constantly keeping his opponents guessing and off balance. This ability to surprise and outwit opponents has been a hallmark of his success.
Gukesh Dommaraju's meteoric rise is not just a personal triumph; it also represents the growing influence of Indian chess on the global scene. India has produced several legendary chess players, with Viswanathan Anand being the most notable among them. Anand's legacy has inspired a whole generation of chess players in India, and Gukesh is at the forefront of this new wave. His achievements have reignited interest in the game across the country, leading to an increase in the number of young players and the level of competition.
Indian chess has been experiencing a golden era, with players like Gukesh Dommaraju, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi following in the footsteps of legends. This collective rise proves that India’s chess culture is thriving and the country is now seen as one of the major powerhouses in the chess world. Gukesh Dommaraju’s success is a testament to the evolving talent pool that has contributed to this transformation.
In this context, institutions like the JAIN Group of Institutions play a crucial role in developing young talent in various sports, including chess. The JAIN Group of Institutions has become a pivotal force in nurturing athletes and scholars alike by providing state-of-the-art facilities, coaching expertise, and an environment conducive to growth. Their commitment to sports has helped build a stronger foundation for talents to flourish, ensuring that young minds can access the resources needed to pursue their dreams.
JAIN (Deemed-to-be) University in Bengaluru has received several awards for its sports programme, including the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar for its contribution to identifying and nurturing young sports talent.
The JAIN Group of Institutions understands the importance of a holistic approach to education, where sports are integral. By encouraging students to participate in chess, music, golf, billiards and snooker, tennis, cricket and other sports, they are fostering a competitive spirit and developing qualities like patience, strategic thinking, and resilience. For many students, institutions like these could prove invaluable, offering an environment where academic excellence and sportsmanship are balanced seamlessly, enabling them to achieve greater heights in chess, cricket and other games.
Even though Gukesh's journey has been successful, he still has a long way to go. The chess world constantly evolves, and staying at the top requires continued focus, hard work, and adaptation to new strategies. As Gukesh competes against some of the greatest minds in the game, he faces the challenge of maintaining his consistency and striving for even higher goals, such as challenging for the World Chess Championship title in the future.
The global chess scene is highly competitive, and Gukesh’s journey will undoubtedly be filled with obstacles. Still, his unyielding commitment to the game and continuous improvement make him a player to watch in the coming years. His story inspires countless aspiring chess players around the world, showing that with talent, dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
Gukesh Dommaraju’s rise to the pinnacle of world chess at such a young age is extraordinary. From a promising young talent in Chennai to one of the top players in the world, his journey is a testament to his exceptional intellect and relentless work ethic. As Gukesh continues to break records and achieve greater heights, he is not just carving a path for himself but also solidifying India's place as a dominant force in chess. The chess community can only look forward to seeing how this young prodigy’s career unfolds as he aims to leave an indelible mark on the game for years.
The support of institutions like the JAIN Group of Institutions underscores the critical role that education and sports play in shaping the champions of tomorrow. By nurturing young talent, these institutions create the ideal platform for aspiring athletes like Gukesh to achieve greatness, not only in chess but across all domains of life.
Learn more about JAIN Changemakers by visiting our website
JAIN PU College, a part of the renowned JGI Group, is committed to empowering students with quality education. Beyond academics, the college ensures its online content reflects the same standard of excellence. Every blog and article is meticulously vetted and proofread by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. From insightful educational topics to engaging discussions, JAIN PU College's content is crafted to inform, inspire, and add value to its readers, reflecting the institution's commitment to intellectual growth and innovation.
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