Chess

Indian sports witnessed contrasting emotions as prodigy D. Gukesh bowed out of the Chess World Cup while Olympian Elavenil Valarivan delivered a podium finish at the Shooting World Championships. Gukesh’s elimination, despite entering the tournament as one of the most promising young grandmasters, marks a temporary halt in his meteoric rise on the world stage. Meanwhile, Elavenil’s bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event reinforces India’s emerging strength in shooting sport and boosts the nation’s confidence ahead of upcoming global competitions.

The second round of the World Cup opened with thrilling matches, highlighted by Gukesh’s highly anticipated debut, alongside standout performances from Levon Aronian, Wei Yi, and Faustino. While Gukesh demonstrated promising strategic depth in his first outing, Aronian and Wei Yi impressed with precise tactical execution, securing commanding positions on the board. Faustino continued to exhibit his signature creative play, captivating audiences and analysts alike.

After etching his name in history as the youngest World Chess Champion, D. Gukesh now stands on the brink of another monumental challenge—the FIDE World Cup. The 18-year-old prodigy from Chennai has already redefined Indian chess by dethroning established giants, but the World Cup remains an elusive accolade on his growing list of achievements. With its grueling knockout format and high-stakes encounters, the tournament demands endurance, precision, and mental resilience.

In a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh secured a decisive victory over American chess star Hikaru Nakamura, a player known as much for his brilliance as for his fiery temperament. The game, marked by deep tactical insight and psychological resilience, ended with Gukesh demonstrating calm professionalism even as Nakamura reacted emotionally by conceding in frustration. Beyond the result, it was Gukesh’s graceful conduct—acknowledging his opponent with quiet dignity—that earned admiration across the global chess community.

Indian chess prodigy and reigning world champion D. Gukesh finds himself in a testing phase after succumbing to his third consecutive defeat, intensifying discussions about the mounting pressure of younger opponents on established elites. Once celebrated as a symbol of India’s chess renaissance, Gukesh now faces growing scrutiny as his performance dips against a new wave of fearless competitors.

Indian chess talent S. Rohit Krishna has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the country’s 89th Grandmaster, further cementing India’s growing prominence in global chess. The title, awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), recognizes exceptional skill, strategic acumen, and consistent performance in international competitions. Krishna’s ascent reflects India’s sustained investment in chess development, coaching infrastructure, and youth talent cultivation.

Following Divya Deshmukh’s recent victory at the FIDE World Cup, Grandmaster D Gukesh took a moment to reflect on their parallel journeys in Indian chess. Calling her win “inspiring,” Gukesh reminisced about their formative years, when both young prodigies trained, competed, and grew through the same circuits. His heartfelt acknowledgment underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect within India’s rising chess community.

On June 1, 2025, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju made history by defeating chess legend Magnus Carlsen for the first time in classical chess. This victory, which came nearly six months after Gukesh's historic win as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, marked a defining moment in his career. The victory in the prestigious Norway Chess tournament not only cemented Gukesh’s position among the world’s elite but also silenced any lingering doubts about his place in the chess world, proving that he was capable of competing with—and defeating—the greatest, Magnus Carlsen.

Teen Grandmaster and reigning World Champion D Gukesh marked his 19th birthday with a decisive victory over World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura at the Norway Chess tournament, reigniting his campaign after a rocky start. Following consecutive losses to Magnus Carlsen and Arjun Erigaisi, the Chennai prodigy demonstrated resilience and tactical maturity in a 42-move win against the American blitz maestro.

In a controversial decision that has drawn global attention, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has imposed a nationwide ban on chess, citing concerns over its perceived connection to gambling, a practice forbidden under Islamic law. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice announced the prohibition, stating the game would remain outlawed until religious authorities determine its alignment with Sharia principles. The Afghanistan National Chess Federation has also been suspended.