World Champion D Gukesh has revealed the simple message from his mother that he has made his mantra. Gukesh created history when he defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest World Champion in the history of Chess.
Gukesh’s journey to the top of the sport has seen his parents play a major role. The 18-year-old went on to say that his mother Padmakumari keeps telling him that she is very happy to see him being considered as a great chess player. However, the Indian grandmaster claimed that his mother wanted to hear that he was an even greater person in real life.
Gukesh said that he values that message from his mother a lot and tries his best to be a better chess player and a person.
“My mother still says: “I’ll be very happy to hear that you are a great chess player, but I would be happier to hear that you are an even greater person. That has been something that I really value a lot. I know I have a lot of things to work on, but I try my best to be a better chess player and a better person,” said Gukesh.
Gukesh journey to the top with his parents
Gukesh’s parents, Rajnikanth and Padmakumari, would ensure that their son could chase his dream by making a lot of sacrifices. Rajnikanth gave up a lucrative career as an ENT surgeon to accompany Gukesh to tournaments, while Padmakumari, a microbiologist, became the family’s sole earner.
Gukesh would remember these sacrifices right after his win.
“We weren’t financially well-off, and my parents faced significant struggles,” Gukesh said after his victory. “At one point, in 2017 and 2018, we were so low on funds that my parents’ friends had to sponsor me. They even made lifestyle changes just so I could play in tournaments. Their sacrifices were immense,” said Gukesh.
Gukesh won the title after beating Liren in the final game of the World Chess Championship with a scoreline of 7.5-6.5.
