World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju revealed what he had been feeling within the moments main as much as his victory within the 14th and ultimate sport of the World Chess Championship 2024 towards China’s Ding Liren. In an exclusive chat with NDTVGukesh revealed his ideas throughout the crunch match, spoke concerning the rising recognition of chess in India, concerning the position performed by former Indian cricket psychological conditioning coach Paddy Upton in his sport, and the way he shares a similarity with legendary India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. .
“I did not expect to win that final game because the position was heading towards a draw,” Gukesh informed NDTV. “The objective was that it should end in a draw but when he made a mistake it was quite a nice moment,” Gukesh added.
Ding Liren had his fair proportion of probabilities throughout the World Chess Championship, notably successful Game 1 and Game 12. Gukesh, nonetheless, maintained his composure all through, and received yet one more sport than his opponent. He credited the position performed by former Team India coach Paddy Upton in his kind. Upton had been a part of India’s setup once they lifted the 2011 World Cup.
“Work with Paddy has been very important for me. He has helped a lot in my emotional, physical and mental preparation for the match. There were a lot of suggestions, a lot of conversations which I gained a lot from,” stated Gukesh.
Speaking on his impression within the quickly rising recognition of chess in India, Gukesh stated, “I could see a lot of kids taking interest in the game, a lot of parents and coaches doing a great job. I’m very happy to have been a part of this revolution in chess in India, and I hope it grows and we become stronger and stronger every day.”
Gukesh additionally revealed his admiration for former India captain MS Dhoni.
“I’m a huge fan of Dhoni sir and to be compared to him is a huge honor for me. I think he has this ability to stay calm under pressure, and I think I’m also quite good at that,” Gukesh stated. .
Following his victory, Gukesh is ready to tackle World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen within the Norway Chess 2025 match in May and June 2025.
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