Fri Dec 13 05:04:49 UTC 2024: ## 18-Year-Old Indian Chess Prodigy, Gukesh Dronavalli, Becomes World Champion
**Singapore** – Gukesh Dronavalli, an 18-year-old chess grandmaster from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has achieved a historic victory, winning the Classical World Chess Championship in Singapore. He defeated reigning champion Ding Liren, shattering records and becoming the youngest-ever world champion.
Dronavalli’s triumph breaks the record previously held by Garry Kasparov, who won the title at age 22 in 1985. He is also only the second Indian to achieve this feat, following five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. Dronavalli’s win holds special significance, as he expressed his desire to bring the title back to India after Magnus Carlsen defeated Anand in 2013.
Dronavalli’s journey to the top began with a casual interest in chess, which blossomed into a passion. His coach recognized his talent and encouraged his parents to support his intense training. He became a Grandmaster in 2019, the youngest Indian to achieve this rank. His previous accolades include winning the World Under-12 Championship in 2018 and the Commonwealth Chess Championship gold medal in 2016.
The young champion has received congratulatory messages from the Indian President, Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, and numerous former chess champions. His victory is a testament to his dedication and skill, marking a momentous occasion for Indian chess.
First Piper 