18th@18

PRELIMS: SPORTS        

GUKESH DOMMARAJU, an Indian chess prodigy, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion at the age of 18. His victory over China’s Ding Liren in December 2024 not only secured him the title but also marked him as the 18th individual to hold this prestigious position in the history of chess.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who became World  Chess Champion at the age of 22 in 1985. Gukesh’s ascent to the pinnacle of the chess world has garnered widespread acclaim and has been celebrated as a significant moment in the sport’s history.

Gukesh’s journey in chess has been marked by several significant milestones:

• Grandmaster Title: He earned the Grandmaster title at the age of 12, becoming the third-youngest player ever to achieve this status.
• Rapid Progression: His consistent performance and dedication have led him to break multiple age-related records in the chess world.