The supportive parents behind India’s youngest chess champion

At just seven years old, Gukesh Dommaraju dreamed of becoming the world chess champion. His parents supported him, though they never imagined he would achieve this goal at the age of 18. When Gukesh triumphed over defending champion Ding Liren in a gripping 14-game battle, becoming only the second Indian after Vishwanathan Anand to win the title, it took time for his parents, Rajinikanth and Padma Kumari, to fully grasp the reality of their son’s achievement. Years of sacrifice, tireless effort, and unwavering determination had paid off.

The emotional moment between Gukesh and his father, marked by tears and a heartfelt embrace, was a powerful reflection of their long journey. Gukesh himself expressed how his parents’ dreams were perhaps bigger than his own, acknowledging their critical role in his success.

The road to this monumental victory was paved with significant personal sacrifices. Rajinikanth, a respected ENT surgeon, left his job to support Gukesh’s pursuit of chess, while Padma, a microbiologist, became the family’s sole breadwinner. Despite financial struggles and having to rely on friends and crowdfunding, Gukesh persevered. His chess journey began in 2013 with modest lessons, and by 2019, he had become the second youngest Grandmaster in history.

Through a series of milestones, including victories in youth championships and a crucial mentorship from Anand, Gukesh’s rise to the top of the chess world is a testament to resilience and the power of family support.

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