Fri Dec 13 14:43:31 UTC 2024: ## Chess Prodigy Gukesh’s Victory Sparks State Rivalry

**Chennai/Hyderabad, India** – Eighteen-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju’s stunning victory at the World Chess Championship has ignited a playful but spirited battle between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, each claiming the young champion as their own. Gukesh, the youngest-ever undisputed World Chess Champion, defeated China’s Ding Liren in a gripping 14-day contest in Singapore.

The rivalry began shortly after the win, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin immediately taking to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Gukesh and reiterate Chennai’s status as the “global Chess Capital.” Stalin’s post included a photo of him presenting Gukesh with a gold medal.

However, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu swiftly countered, proclaiming Gukesh as “our very own Telugu boy,” emphasizing his Telugu heritage. This sparked a debate online regarding Gukesh’s origins. While born and raised in Chennai, his parents have strong roots in the Telugu-speaking region of Andhra Pradesh.

The online discussion expanded beyond simple claims of origin, touching on issues of ethnicity and shared history within the southern states. Some highlighted Tamil Nadu’s significant financial support for Gukesh, citing a ₹75 lakh government grant. Others focused on his Telugu background.

Gukesh himself, reflecting on his journey, revealed that witnessing Viswanathan Anand’s loss at the 2013 World Chess Championship in Chennai inspired his ambition. This pivotal moment, he said, fueled his decade-long dream to bring the title back to India.

Regardless of the friendly state rivalry, Gukesh’s accomplishment stands as a monumental achievement for Indian chess, solidifying his place in history as the youngest undisputed world champion.

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