The feeling of euphoria was strong in India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was an exemplary accomplishment and millions of people rejoiced when the title came back to the cradle of the game. However, just one year and a half after, the story has changed as a story of celebration to a story of apprehension.
There has been buzz in the chess world since December 2014 when former World Champion, Magnus Carlsen, sat down and had an open-ended interview. As the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus is closer than ever, there were no personalities who did not want to hear what the Mozart of Chess was predicting.
This article dives into what promises to be the World Chess Championship match of the century between India’s 18-year-old chess prodigy Gukesh D and reigning champion Ding Liren of China. While Gukesh is rising meteorically, with tactics, as well as youthful resilience putting him in a strong position to achieve the greatest sporting milestone that India has ever known, Ding confronts challenges from inconsistent form and mental health troubles. The article analyses the contrasts of their styles and strengths, as well as the importance of this historic match to Indian chess and international sports. Gukesh’s victory will surely inspire a new generation of players and seal India’s status as a chess superpower.