Chess prodigy Gukesh D has admired the poise and resilience exhibited by former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni and tennis maestro Novak Djokovic, drawing inspiration from their ability to thrive under immense pressure.
Seventeen-year-old Gukesh etched his name in history by clinching victory in the candidate chess tournament held in Toronto, thereby securing the title of the youngest challenger for the World Championship crown. This remarkable achievement shattered a 40-year-old record previously held by Garry Kasparov. At the year’s culmination, Gukesh is set to face off against the current world champion, Ding Liren of China.
Reflecting on his sources of inspiration, Gukesh highlighted the composure and clutch performances of Dhoni and Djokovic in critical moments. Dhoni, a celebrated figure in Indian cricket, boasts two World Cup victories for the nation and has led the Chennai Super Kings to five triumphs in the Indian Premier League. Djokovic, hailing from Serbia, commands an impressive tally of 24 Grand Slam titles, with the potential to add more to his illustrious career. Gukesh also draws motivation from the legendary Norwegian chess player Magnus Carlsen, a five-time world champion, whom he regards as a paragon of mental fortitude across all sports.
Gukesh emphasized the inevitability of facing nerves in the journey of every chess player but underscored the importance of experience in managing and overcoming them. He spoke of the maturation process and the role of diligent practice in honing the ability to confront and conquer fears.
Looking ahead to the anticipated showdown with Ding Liren, Gukesh expressed readiness to commence his preparations for the final encounter, highlighting the forthcoming initiation of his training regimen. Gukesh’s determination and resolve signal his eagerness to embrace the challenge and vie for chess supremacy at the highest level.
