Gukesh attributes his rise to “Vishy sir.”

The renowned Viswanathan Anand helped shape the career of Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh, who expressed his gratitude to him today, stating, “I wouldn’t have been close to what I am now if it wasn’t for him.”

By defeating the record set forty years ago by the great Garry Kasparov and winning the Candidates in Toronto, the seventeen-year-old Grandmaster created history. He became the youngest contender to the world crown ever. The victory set up Gukesh’s matchup with China’s Ding Liren, the current world champion, later this year. “Vishy Sir has greatly inspired me, and his academy has greatly benefited me.” A few hours after arriving here, to an enthusiastic welcome from supporters and other students, Gukesh remarked, “I am sincerely grateful to him and wouldn’t have been close to what I am now if it wasn’t for him.”

The Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy was established in 2020 and is where Gukesh received his training. Anand was the only Indian to win the Candidates before Gukesh.

Gukesh said, “The biggest challenge against Ding would be how I prepare myself and being in the right state of mind since it will be a big match,” in reference to his eagerly awaited matchup with Liren. Many expectations and significant stakes are involved. I’m about to begin my training. I am confident in my abilities and will approach the situation with the same approach. I’m hoping it turns out well.

When the history-making teenager returned early this morning, he was greeted by an adoring crowd. At least an hour before Gukesh’s airplane touched down, hundreds of pupils from his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, waited up to welcome him.

“I am pleased to realize the significance of the win for the nation. I was thrilled to witness enthusiastic young children cheering for me as soon as I arrived in Chennai. I really value it,” he said.