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Dear Reader,
In Tamil Nadu, 12/12 of every year is Rajnikanth Day. Superstar Rajnikanth’s birthday. But now a new star has risen. From 12/12/24, this date will carry another significance — Rajnikanth's son's day.
India's chess prodigy, Dommaraju Gukesh, whose father's name too is Rajnikanth, rewrote history by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion at just 18 years, 8 months, and 14 days.
The championship itself mirrored the thrill of a Rajinikanth movie. After losing the first game, Gukesh clawed back, match by match, until a critical error by Ding Liren in the 14th game turned the tide. And just like that, Gukesh made chess history.
Gukesh’s journey to this pinnacle wasn’t just about raw talent—it was a meticulously planned campaign. From a team of strategists and Grandmasters to mental conditioning by Paddy Upton (remember him from the 2011 Cricket World Cup win? Or the Bronze in Men's Hockey in Paris Olympics?), nothing was happenstance.
India now ranks 5th globally in the number of Grandmasters. From just one GM in 1988 (Anand) to 84 today, our chess ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. And Gukesh, mentored by Anand himself, is now the crown jewel of this rise.
Here's K Balakumar's article on How Gukesh's Successful World Championship Campaign Was Conceived.
Also, read his previous piece on how Vishy Anand Made An Entire City And A Country Re-Discover Chess.
Until next time,
Anmol N Jain
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