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PM Narendra Modi called World Champion Gukesh and his parents are inspirations to the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh and his parents on Saturday. The PM said Gukesh was ‘India’s Pride’ whose confidence was inspiring. He added that they discussed the ‘transformative potential of yoga and meditation.’
Chennai-born Gukesh beat Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship Final held in Singapore earlier this month to become the youngest World Champion at 18 years of age. In their meeting on Saturday, he gifted PM Modi a chess board signed by him and Liren used in one of his wins at the world event.
“Had an excellent interaction with chess champion and India’s pride, @DGukesh!” the Indian PM wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I have been closely interacting with him for a few years now, and what strikes me most about him is his determination and dedication. His confidence is truly inspiring. In fact, I recall seeing a video of his few years ago where he had said he would become the youngest world champion— a prediction that has now clearly come true thanks to his own efforts.”
“Along with confidence, Gukesh embodies calmness and humility. Upon winning, he was composed, basking in his glory while fully understanding how to process this hard-earned victory. Our conversation today revolved around the transformative potential of yoga and meditation,” he added.
PM Modi also lauded Gukesh’s parents, Padmavathi and Rajinikanth. for supporting him through ‘thick and thin’, saying their dedication would inspire other parents in the country.
“In the success of every athlete, their parents play a pivotal role. I complimented Gukesh’s parents for supporting him through thick and thin. Their dedication will inspire countless parents of young aspirants who dream of pursuing sports as a career,” he said.
“I am also delighted to have received from Gukesh the original chessboard from the game he won. The chessboard, autographed by both him and Ding Liren, is a cherished memento,” the PM concluded.
Gukesh, who started playing chess at the age of 7, became the then second-youngest grandmaster in history in 2019. He’s also the youngest player to have surpassed a FIDE rating of 2750.