Everyone makes promises, everyone dreams but not everyone is able to fulfill those dreams and the promises made to themselves. That too, a promise which was made at the age of just 11 and then fulfilled at the age of 18. India's young Chess Grand Master D Gukesh can proudly say that he was able to do this. Gukesh, who has gained worldwide recognition with his amazing performance at a young age, has now registered his name forever in chess history. Gukesh created history by winning the World Championship at the age of just 18 and fulfilled his dream. But even after becoming world champion, he refused to consider himself the 'best'.

7 year old dream came true

Gukesh won the World Championship by defeating Ding Liren of China on Thursday 12 December. In the 17-day long championship in Singapore, after a tough fight of 14 rounds, the Indian star defeated the defending champion. Both the players were tied with 6.5 – 6.5 points after 13 rounds. In such a situation, the decision had to be taken in the last round of 14 and Gukesh won the championship by defeating a player more experienced than him. In this way he also became the youngest world champion.

Gukesh made this record by winning the World Championship at the age of just 18 years, 8 months and 14 days. This record is a big achievement in itself, but what made it special was the promise Gukesh made to himself. When Gukesh was just 11 years and 6 months old, he had revealed his dream in an interview given to Chase Base India. Little Gukesh had then said that he would like to become the youngest world champion when he grows up. Exactly 7 years and 2 months later, Gukesh became the world champion and showed that he not only dreams but also makes them come true.

2017 – A 11 year old kid from Chennai, India manifests to become youngest World Chess Champion

2024 – 17 year old prodigy
Gukesh D makes history as the youngest ever player to win the Candidates & right to Challenge Ding Liren for World Championship! #Gukesh #candidates2024 pic.twitter.com/JWvic4oMnO

— Vishal Verma (@VishalVerma_9) April 22, 2024

Gukesh started crying bitterly.

Generally, chess players always control their emotions and it is very difficult to predict victory or defeat from their facial expressions. Gukesh is also no different from them. It was difficult for Gukesh, who spoke very little and controlled his emotions, to do this this time. As soon as Ding shook hands with Gukesh while resigning and signed the match sheet, he sat on his seat and his eyes filled with tears. For the first time, anyone saw this Indian star presenting his emotions openly in this way.

Gukesh D
Ladies and gentlemen, the 18th WORLD CHAMPION! #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/CgzYBgeTfq

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 12, 2024

POV you just witnessed Gukesh D become the 18th World Champion! #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/gWaF8iJrvk

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 12, 2024

Not only Gukesh, his father was also emotional with this victory, which was natural. That's why as soon as Gukesh came out of the match hall, he first hugged his father tightly and both of them remained close to each other for a long time. The father was not only happy on his face but was also proud of his son and with the same pride he kept patting Gukesh's back.

Gukesh's dad after he realized that his son had won the World Championship #GukeshDing #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/0WCwRbmzmd

— Chess.com – India (@chesscom_in) December 12, 2024

Ding's praise, told who is the best

Conquering the world at such a young age is not within everyone's reach. Even if you win, it is not easy to maintain stability in your nature and your words. Many champions have been making big claims out of pride, but Gukesh showed maturity here too. In the press conference after the victory, the Indian star first talked about his opponent Ding Liren and expressed regret over his defeat. Gukesh also praised him for his tough competition, calling him a true world champion.

What Gukesh said after this may surprise the common people. Gukesh, who became the new world champion, made it clear that even after winning this title, he is not the best player in the world because that title is still in the name of Norway's veteran and one of the greatest Grand Master, Magnus Carlsen, who has won this championship 5 times. Captured it and also distanced itself from it last year.