From Extra-Curricular to Chess Olympiad Gold: D Gukesh Coach Bhaskar Reminisces India Chess Prodigy's Inspirational Journey

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Chennai, Sep 23: What began as a school extra-curricular activity has now turned into a lifelong passion for D Gukesh, propelling him to become one of the world's finest chess players.

On Sunday (September 22), Gukesh scripted history by leading India to its first-ever Chess Olympiad gold in the 'Open' category in Budapest. Also Read: Chess Olympiad 2024: India Clinch Historic Gold Medal in Open Section

At just 18, Gukesh's performance has been hailed as nothing short of spectacular, winning nine out of ten matches, with one ending in a draw, to ensure India's victory. His childhood coach, V Bhaskar, who discovered Gukesh's talent when he was just seven years old, shared insights into his early days.

"We started when he was in class 1 at Velammal Vidyalaya. He used to come for extracurricular activities, and I saw a spark in him at that age," Bhaskar recalled. Recognizing Gukesh's hunger to excel, Bhaskar offered him personal training, and their efforts over the years have paid off handsomely. Gukesh's rise has been meteoric-becoming the third-youngest Grandmaster in chess history.

Gukesh's talent was evident from a young age, and his coach noted how he constantly pushed the boundaries of his game. "He was experimenting early on, which showed his eagerness to learn," said Bhaskar, reflecting on Gukesh's journey. This dedication saw Gukesh clinch the prestigious Candidates Tournament in Toronto, earning him the right to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren of China later this year in Singapore.

Bhaskar expressed immense pride in Gukesh's pivotal role in India's gold medal victory. "His wins in the tournament assured the gold in the 'Open' category. I am extremely happy for him and the entire team. I have no doubt that he has the potential to become the youngest world champion," Bhaskar said.

Double Joy for Ramesh Babu Family

It was a double celebration for Ramesh Babu, father of chess prodigies R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali, as both his children contributed to India's historic achievement at the Olympiad. Praggnanandhaa was a key player in the men's team, while Vaishali played an instrumental role in securing the women's team gold.

"We are incredibly proud," said Ramesh Babu. "Both of my children winning gold at the Olympiad is a dream come true. All the team players have done very well, and their success has given a huge boost to Indian chess."

He added that chess has grown significantly in popularity across India, especially among the younger generation. "Chess is becoming more than just an academic extra; it's evolving into a serious career option. More and more people are getting interested in the game," he remarked.

Both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa are now aiming for further success, with their sights set on improving their ratings and aspiring to become world champions. "That's the ultimate goal for every chess player," Ramesh Babu concluded.

The remarkable achievements of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and the entire Indian chess team have undoubtedly placed Indian chess on the world stage, and their journey is only just beginning.