Summitted highest peak of all, historic, a moment of pride: World lauds new chess king Gukesh

NAGPUR: The world on Thursday hailed India's Dommaraju Gukesh's historic feat of becoming the youngest world champion in Singapore. Gukesh surpassed the record of Russia's Garry Kasparov, who won the title at age 22, also in Singapore, when he became the youngest world champion in 1985 by winning a dramatic endgame.
Congratulating Gukesh, Kasparov in his post on X said, "My congratulations to Gukesh on his victory today. He has summitted the highest peak of all: making his mother happy."

Describing the achievement as "historic and exemplary," PM Narendra Modi wrote on X, “Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours.”

Viswanathan Anand, who played a mentor's role in Gukesh's remarkable journey, said the teenager excelled. "Congratulations. It's a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India, a proud moment for WACA, and for me, a very personal moment of pride. Ding played a very exciting match and showed the champion he is," said Anand in his post on X.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said, "In a game of 64 squares, you've opened a world of endless possibilities. Congratulations Gukesh on becoming the 18th World Champion at just 18! Following in Vishy’s footsteps, you're now guiding the next wave of Indian chess prodigies.”

India’s Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra said, "Your brilliance, determination, and grace under pressure have made the entire nation proud. You've not just won a title but inspired a generation to dream big. Wishing you even greater success ahead."

The world’s top women player Judit Polgar wrote on X, “The youngest challenger, the youngest king! Amazing achievement. Congratulations to Gukesh for winning the World Chess Champion.”

Judit’s sister, Susan Polgar, while posting Gukesh’s initial reaction after the triumph, said, “The historic reaction of an 18-year-old World Champion, the youngest in history. Gukesh overcame all adversity and challenges and kept on the relentless pressure. Ding eventually self-destructed and cracked. Win with grace, lose with dignity! One won with grace, the other lost with dignity! Class all the way by these two champions! Gukesh has the potential to be the best Chess Ambassador ever. Professional, mature, humble, classy, charismatic, well-spoken, and well-mannered.”

Anish Giri said, "I haven't prepared a tweet for this scenario, congrats to Gukesh. Remarkable that in the Candidates too, like in this match, Gukesh was at the brink of having to play the rapid tie break, but the fate was decided in classical chess."
American GM Hikaru Nakamura said, "Huge congrats to Gukesh and all of India and Indians everywhere. What a stellar accomplishment."
Senior India GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly said, "I never imagined I’d be so elated to see someone crying. Gukesh’s tears after winning the World Championship say it all—dedication, sacrifice, and a dream fulfilled. Congrats to the World Champion and his team. An inspiration and a celebration."
Praggnanandhaa said, "A historic moment for Indian chess. Congrats Gukesh. Stepping the game up in high-pressure moments. Truly inspiring. Huge respect to Ding Liren for giving it all."
Anand Mahindra added, "All of India is dancing with you at this very moment, Gukesh."
Peter Wells, the senior FIDE trainer, said, "Gukesh strikes me as someone who instinctively knows how to behave with tremendous grace and respect at all times. I find his first words as World Champion - especially his tribute to Ding - truly moving. Many congratulations Gukesh. This victory will be great for chess.”