The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports conferred the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 on India’s chess prodigy, Gukesh D. The prestigious award bestowed by the President Of India, Sri Droupadi Murmu shows Gukesh’s extraordinary contributions to the world of chess and his exceptional performances.
A Bit About Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, instituted in 1991 as a tribute to the legendary Indian hockey icon, Major Dhyan Chand, is the highest sports award given in India. It was established to appreciate the athletes for their exemplary achievement in their sports at an international level. The Government Of India will now take pride in awarding Gukesh D with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 on 17th January, 2025.
Gukesh D’s Path Towards Glory
Gukesh D first set foot in the chess world at seven years old in his hometown, Chennai. It was at school that the game was introduced to him and after six months of playing, he became a FIDE-rated player. Early talent and hard work thus set him on a series of successes internationally.
How Gukesh D Climbed Up The Ladder?
Gukesh D’s first major victory for him came in 2015 when he emerged as U-9 Asian Schools Chess Champion, which promoted him to the rank of Candidate Master (CM). He never stopped moving ahead and his successes include five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships held in various formats in 2018 and the U-12 World Youth Chess Championship that same year.
In March 2018, Gukesh earned the title of International Master (IM) and by the end of January in 2019, at only 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, he stood as the second youngest Grandmaster (GM) in history, finishing just 17 days shy of the record book. Although his record was surpassed, Gukesh’s exploits remained a symbol of his brilliant talent.
Gukesh D Making History At The 44th Chess Olympiad And Beyond
At the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022, Gukesh rose to a new height by taking part in the event held in his home city of Chennai. He scored an impressive 9/11, earning an individual gold medal and played a pivotal role in helping India finish on a historic bronze medal finish. This was followed by another milestone: Gukesh crossed the 2700 rating mark, reaching a career-high of 2726 and becoming the third youngest player to do so after Wei Yi and Alireza Firouzja.
Apart from his performances at the Olympiad, Gukesh D made history by becoming the youngest player to defeat World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in a rapid event. He continued his meteoric rise into 2023 when he became the youngest player to achieve a 2750 rating, breaking Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand’s hold on the top spot for the first time in 37 years.
Gukesh D’s Road To Victory Till The World Chess Championship 2024
Gukesh’s performances turned in a crowning glory when he qualified for the 2024 Candidates Tournament, making him the third youngest player to qualify for this prestigious event, after Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen. His success didn’t end there – in December 2024, Gukesh became the youngest-ever Chess World Champion after a thrilling 14th-round victory over Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship in Singapore. His meteoric rise has not only cemented his place among the best players but also placed a new phenomenon for young chess players in India and worldwide.
Family And Community Support
Behind every success story there is a super support system. Gukesh’s journey is the same. Believed in a lot by parents, Dr Rajnikant and Dr Padma, Gukesh’s triumph is a corollary to their belief about his potential. As a surgeon and father, all aspects of life, including a social media presence as well as itinerary for travel events, were arranged by him because he accompanied the young boy, Gukesh, to cross the globe playing tournaments. Meanwhile, his mother played a great role in boosting him emotionally. She encouraged him constantly with both victories and setbacks.
His educational journey also had a lot to do with his chess career. Gukesh D is a student of Velammal Vidhyalaya in Chennai, which has produced many promising chess talents like Grandmasters Kartikeyan, Arvind Chitambaram and Praggnanandhaa.
The Future Shines Bright For Gukesh D
Gukesh D’s ascendancy to the peak of world chess has not only been great, but even fabulous. Having crossed 18, his victories had rewritten history regarding what Indian juniors were considered capable of doing. Through this Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, contributions made by Gukesh D are officially marked by the country and seems to brighten up more promisingly.
As he continues to compete on the highest levels, Gukesh D’s passion, dedication and natural talent will inspire hundreds of young chess enthusiasts worldwide that, with determination, the game of kings can be conquered indeed.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye