Gukesh D Meets With ‘Superstar’ Rajinikanth After Historic Chess Championship Win, Gets Showered With Presents

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Indian chess sensation Gukesh D, fresh from his historic triumph at the FIDE World Chess Championship, recently experienced a memorable moment off the board when he met Indian cinema legend Rajinikanth.

The superstar invited the 18-year-old and his family to his residence in Chennai on Thursday, December 26, showering him with gifts and wisdom in a heartwarming interaction.

Rajinikanth, known for his humility and generosity, presented Gukesh with a shawl and a copy of Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, symbolising his admiration for the young champion.

Gukesh expressed his gratitude on social media, posting, “Thanks Superstar @rajinikanth sir for your warm wishes and inviting, spending time and sharing your wisdom with us 🙏.”

This was not the only starstruck moment for the chess prodigy as he also met actor Sivakarthikeyan. The 'Amaran’ star, who is reportedly Gukesh’s favourite actor, presented him with a watch.

Gukesh’s Historic World Chess Championship Win

Gukesh D’s journey to becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion has been nothing short of extraordinary. On December 12, 2024, he defeated China’s reigning champion Ding Liren in a gripping finale held in Singapore. The intense 14-game match ended with a narrow 7.5-6.5 victory, etching Gukesh’s name into the history books.

At just 18 years old, Gukesh surpassed Garry Kasparov’s record of winning the title at 22 in 1985. He also became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the coveted championship. This historic feat is a testament to Gukesh’s exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and the sacrifices made by his family.

Gukesh’s parents, Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and Padma, a microbiologist, played a pivotal role in supporting his career. His father significantly reduced his professional commitments to travel with Gukesh to tournaments, while his mother managed the family and finances.

A Golden Year in Chess

2024 has undoubtedly been a golden year for Gukesh D. Prior to his World Championship victory, he clinched the Candidates Tournament and led India to a gold medal in the Chess Olympiad. His individual brilliance on Board 1 earned him accolades, while his teammates Arjun Erigaisi, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agarwal also won golds in their respective boards.

Gukesh’s meteoric rise has seen him break into the top five of the FIDE world rankings, currently positioned alongside legends like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.