NDTV Exclusive: Behind D Gukesh’s rise, a “risky decision” that family opposed | chess news

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh became the youngest challenger for a world title after winning the prestigious Candidates chess tournament in Toronto earlier this week. The 17-year-old is the first Indian since great Vishwanathan Anand to win the Candidates Tournament. Gukesh’s father Dr Rajnikanth, while speaking to NDTV, said that his decision to leave medicine practice has finally paid off. Rajinikanth, who is a surgeon, left his practice to help his son achieve his dreams.

“Initially it was a risky decision and my family opposed the move. But, to achieve something, we have to take such decisions. Looking back, I think it was the right decision. It was a It was seen as a “double-edged decision but fortunately it helped us,” Rajinikanth told NDTV at the Chennai airport on Wednesday night.

Recalling the moment of the decisive encounter, Rajinikanth revealed that Gukesh had focused his attention on the tiebreak as no one was sure about the result due to the delay in telecast.

“It was a tense moment because the game was going up and down. We were not sure about the result and we felt that they should prepare better for the tiebreak the next day. They wanted to take a walk and suddenly the organizer told me that The match is over. There was a 15 minute delay in the broadcast so we didn’t know the situation.”

Lastly, Rajinikanth credited the famous Vishwanathan Anand for inspiring young chess players in Tamil Nadu.

On Wednesday night, Gukesh received a warm welcome from fans at the Chennai airport upon his return from Toronto.

Hundreds of students from Velammal Vidyalaya, the school where Gukesh studies, lined up at the airport at least an hour before his flight was due to land to welcome the winner of the Candidates Chess Tournament.

“I am very happy with this homecoming, it is a special achievement. I was in good shape from the beginning of the tournament, I was confident that I would come out on top in this tournament and luck was also on my side.” Gukesh said this to the media at the airport.

“It’s great to see so many people enjoying chess… I thank the Government of Tamil Nadu. I thank my appa, amma, coach, friends, family, sponsors and my school for being with me and helping me win. Thank you for playing a wonderful role in this tournament,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)