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Gukesh had brought the World Chess Championship title home. Raw emotions flowed freely as the reality of the moment sank in.
D Gukesh is the 18th world chess champion in history. (PTI Photo)
Gukesh’s mother, J Padmakumari, had distanced herself from her phone while her son was competing with Ding Liren in the final game of the FIDE Chess World Championship on Thursday evening. Nervousness was high at her home, as she didn’t want to follow Gukesh’s title match. However, the nervous atmosphere turned jubilant when the 18-year-old Chennai boy scripted history in Singapore.
Gukesh had brought the World Chess Championship title home. Raw emotions flowed freely as the reality of the moment sank in.
“I couldn’t believe it, and I cried for 10 minutes,” Padmakumari told PTI boarding a flight to meet her son.
The victory also brought reflections on the sacrifices made by the family to support Gukesh’s chess career. Padmakumari, a microbiologist, became the family’s sole breadwinner while her husband, Rajnikanth, stepped away from his career as a successful ENT surgeon to accompany Gukesh on his chess journey.
“It’s a really happy moment, but also one to remember the sacrifices we made, especially Gukesh’s father,” Padmakumari shared. “Our entire family – grandparents, in-laws, sisters, friends – came forward to help us on this journey. We are grateful to each one of them.”
Gukesh himself has often acknowledged the hardships his parents endured to nurture his talent.
“We weren’t a very well-off family, so they faced many financial struggles,” Gukesh said after his historic win.
“In 2017 and 2018, things were so tight financially that my parents’ friends had to sponsor me. My parents made significant lifestyle changes just so I could play tournaments. They made the most sacrifices.”
However, Gukesh’s journey wasn’t just about family support; it also required extraordinary personal discipline and focus. Chess, often a solitary and mentally gruelling sport, demanded immense dedication from the young champion.
“Gukesh worked really hard from childhood,” Padmakumari said. “He is a very disciplined child and sacrificed so much for chess. We are so happy that all of it came paid off with this title win.”
As she prepared to reunite with her son, she added, “I just want to see him now.”
While Padmakumari eagerly awaits this reunion, the entire nation stands ready to celebrate and honour its newest champion, who has captured hearts with his historic achievement.
