Sun Nov 24 18:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Chennai’s Chess Prodigy Gukesh Eyes World Championship Glory

**Chennai, India** – Gukesh Dommaraju, the 18-year-old chess grandmaster from Chennai, is set to challenge China’s Ding Liren for the World Chess Championship title in Singapore, starting Monday. The city, now a burgeoning hub for chess talent, is rallying behind its rising star.

A recent celebratory event saw Gukesh honored with a Mercedes-Benz, a testament to his remarkable achievements, including becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates Tournament. This outpouring of support reflects a broader shift in India, where chess is gaining unprecedented popularity, rivaling traditional favorites like cricket.

Gukesh’s success is attributed to a unique ecosystem fostered in Chennai, particularly at Velammal Nexus school. This institution boasts a highly successful chess academy, producing a constellation of young grandmasters, including Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Rameshbabu Vaishali, and Arjun Kalyan, all trained under coach Velavan Subbiah. The academy’s success is a testament to Subbiah’s dedication and the school’s commitment to nurturing young talent, including providing financial aid and flexible scheduling for its champion students.

The rise of Chennai as a chess powerhouse is a confluence of factors. Government support, including financial incentives and hosting international events like the 2022 Chess Olympiad, has played a crucial role. The pandemic also inadvertently boosted the sport’s popularity through online classes. Parental support, often involving significant personal sacrifices, is another key ingredient, with many parents viewing chess as a beneficial intellectual pursuit.

The story extends beyond Gukesh. Nine-year-old Sharvaanica Anburoja Saravanan, the youngest Indian player to surpass the 2000 Elo rating, exemplifies the dedication and sacrifices made by families to pursue chess excellence. Her journey, marked by financial struggles and family sacrifices, highlights the challenges and triumphs inherent in nurturing young talent.

Gukesh’s upcoming match against Ding Liren is more than just a championship bout; it represents the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and the burgeoning chess culture of Chennai. The city, along with the entire nation, watches with bated breath as this new generation of chess champions prepares to take on the world stage.

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