Chess

Following Divya Deshmukh’s recent victory at the FIDE World Cup, Grandmaster D Gukesh took a moment to reflect on their parallel journeys in Indian chess. Calling her win “inspiring,” Gukesh reminisced about their formative years, when both young prodigies trained, competed, and grew through the same circuits. His heartfelt acknowledgment underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect within India’s rising chess community.

On June 1, 2025, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju made history by defeating chess legend Magnus Carlsen for the first time in classical chess. This victory, which came nearly six months after Gukesh's historic win as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, marked a defining moment in his career. The victory in the prestigious Norway Chess tournament not only cemented Gukesh’s position among the world’s elite but also silenced any lingering doubts about his place in the chess world, proving that he was capable of competing with—and defeating—the greatest, Magnus Carlsen.

Teen Grandmaster and reigning World Champion D Gukesh marked his 19th birthday with a decisive victory over World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura at the Norway Chess tournament, reigniting his campaign after a rocky start. Following consecutive losses to Magnus Carlsen and Arjun Erigaisi, the Chennai prodigy demonstrated resilience and tactical maturity in a 42-move win against the American blitz maestro.

In a controversial decision that has drawn global attention, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has imposed a nationwide ban on chess, citing concerns over its perceived connection to gambling, a practice forbidden under Islamic law. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice announced the prohibition, stating the game would remain outlawed until religious authorities determine its alignment with Sharia principles. The Afghanistan National Chess Federation has also been suspended.

In a landmark moment for global chess and Indian sport, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating defending titleholder Ding Liren of China in a tense final match held in Singapore. With a score of 7.5–6.5, Gukesh surpassed Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record, previously set at age 22 in 1985. Upon his triumphant return to Chennai, the teenage grandmaster received a hero’s welcome—one more akin to a national sports icon than a traditional chess player.

The global chess landscape has witnessed significant action recently, with Vaishali R maintaining an unbeaten streak in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix while D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa continue their journey at the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Chess Classic. Both tournaments are crucial for qualification to the Women's Candidates Tournament and the FIDE World Cup, respectively. Meanwhile, the Asian Individual Chess Championships 2025 has been a battleground for young Indian talent.