D Gukesh reflects on childhood dream that led to historic chess championship win
D Gukesh, at just 18 years old, became the youngest world chess champion by defeating Ding Liren in a closely contested match. Gukesh's victory, inspired by a childhood dream sparked by Magnus Carlsen's 2013 win over Viswanathan Anand, marks a significant achievement for India. Gukesh credited his success to mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who helped him prepare for the championship. Upton's unique approach and experience in high-level sports were instrumental in Gukesh's preparation and performance during the tournament. Upon returning to Chennai, Gukesh received a warm welcome from fans, expressing surprise at the overwhelming support. He noted that this victory is not just personal but also significant for India and his home state.