Category: Sports | Indian Chess | International Tournaments
Published by: IndianCurrentAffairs.com
Date: July 2025
🇮🇳 India’s Young Chess Star Shines on the Global Stage
Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh has added another prestigious title to his name by winning the Rapid Chess Championship in Zagreb, Croatia, held as part of the Grand Chess Tour 2025. The tournament featured some of the top grandmasters from around the world, and Gukesh’s performance throughout the rounds was nothing short of extraordinary.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh has already cemented his place among the elite of world chess. This latest triumph has not only elevated his international standing but also solidified India’s reputation as a rising powerhouse in the global chess circuit.
🏆 Tournament Highlights
- Event: Grand Chess Tour – Zagreb Rapid & Blitz 2025
- Location: Zagreb, Croatia
- Format: Rapid games (25 minutes + 10-second increment)
- Rounds: 9
- Competitors: Magnus Carlsen, Alireza Firouzja, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, and other top GMs
Gukesh scored a stellar 7.5/9 in the Rapid format, including wins against top-seeded players such as Firouzja and Caruana, and drawing his final round against Carlsen to clinch the title.
🧠 A Game of Strategy and Composure
What stood out in Gukesh’s gameplay was his tactical maturity, time management, and positional clarity. Analysts noted his ability to hold calm under pressure, particularly in Round 6 against Ian Nepomniachtchi, where Gukesh turned a minor piece disadvantage into a drawn endgame through brilliant maneuvering.
His Round 7 game against Firouzja drew widespread attention, with commentators hailing it as one of the most instructive tactical battles of the tournament. Gukesh employed the Nimzo-Indian Defense to neutralize Firouzja’s aggressive opening and converted a small edge into a full-point victory.
🗣️ What the Experts Are Saying
Viswanathan Anand, former World Champion:
“Gukesh is the future of Indian chess—and performances like these show that the future is now. His play in Zagreb was balanced, confident, and calculated. A deserved win.”
Peter Svidler, Grandmaster and commentator:
“Gukesh is showing that he’s not just another prodigy. He’s a complete player already—he’s dangerous in every format.”
📈 Career Progression and FIDE Rankings
With this victory, Gukesh has moved up several points in the FIDE Rapid Ratings and is now expected to break into the Top 10 globally in the Rapid format. This follows a series of strong performances in classical and blitz formats earlier in the year.
His performance also boosts his chances for future invitations to high-profile tournaments like:
- FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026
- World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2025
- Sinquefield Cup and Norway Chess 2026
🌍 India’s Growing Chess Revolution
Gukesh’s win reflects the broader rise of Indian chess. With stars like R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and Vaishali R, India is creating a formidable lineup of young talents on the international stage. Initiatives like Khelo India and the Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai have greatly contributed to this momentum.
✅ Conclusion: The Checkmate Heard Around the World
Gukesh’s win in Zagreb is not just a personal achievement—it’s a significant chapter in India’s chess renaissance. With composure beyond his years and sharp tactical brilliance, Gukesh is proving that he belongs among the elite.
As he prepares for more global events, fans worldwide will be watching closely. Gukesh’s journey is far from over—but with every tournament, he is getting one step closer to his ultimate goal: becoming World Champion.
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