Gukesh’s Historic Chess Victory Ignites Rivalry Between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

Youngest World Chess Champion Becomes the Center of Regional Debate

Gukesh Dommaraju, the 18-year-old chess prodigy who has etched his name in history as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, is at the heart of a surprising rivalry. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are engaged in a heated debate over his origins, with both states claiming the champion as their own.

This regional tug-of-war erupted after Gukesh’s victory in Singapore, where he defeated China’s Ding Liren to secure the world title. While the achievement is being celebrated across India, the question of whether Gukesh belongs to Tamil Nadu, where he was born and raised, or Andhra Pradesh, where his family traces its roots, has sparked a lively discussion.

Tamil Nadu Highlights Its Role in Gukesh’s Success

The rivalry began when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Gukesh. Stalin lauded his achievement, emphasizing Tamil Nadu’s contribution to chess and declaring Chennai as the “global Chess Capital.”

“Congratulations to Gukesh on becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18! Your remarkable achievement continues India’s rich chess legacy and helps Chennai reaffirm its place as the global Chess Capital by producing yet another world-class champion. Tamil Nadu is proud of you.”

Stalin’s post included a photograph of him awarding Gukesh a gold medal, symbolizing the state’s pride in its chess heritage. Tamil Nadu, home to several chess legends including Viswanathan Anand, has long been a hub for nurturing chess talent.

Andhra Pradesh Claims Gukesh as “Telugu Boy”

Shortly after Stalin’s post, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu issued his own congratulatory message, claiming Gukesh as a “Telugu boy.” Highlighting Gukesh’s Telugu heritage, Naidu congratulated the young champion on his historic achievement.

“Hearty congratulations to our very own Telugu boy, Indian Grandmaster Gukesh, on scripting history in Singapore by becoming the world’s youngest chess champion at just 18! The entire nation celebrates your incredible achievement. Wishing you many more triumphs and accolades in the decades to come.”

Naidu’s statement reignited the debate, with both states asserting their ties to the chess prodigy.

A Tug-of-War Over Gukesh’s Origins

The debate surrounding Gukesh’s origins is rooted in his unique background. Born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh has been deeply influenced by the state’s vibrant chess culture. Tamil Nadu’s government has actively supported his career, even granting him ₹75 lakh earlier this year to further his chess journey.

However, Gukesh’s family has strong ties to Andhra Pradesh. Both his parents, who are medical professionals, hail from the Telugu-speaking region, giving Andhra Pradesh grounds to claim him as their own.

On social media, fans from both states have fiercely debated Gukesh’s identity. Supporters of Tamil Nadu highlight the state’s financial backing and chess infrastructure, while those from Andhra Pradesh point to his Telugu heritage and familial roots.

Gukesh’s Journey: From Inspiration to Historic Victory

Gukesh’s passion for chess was ignited in 2013 when he watched the World Chess Championship held in Chennai. At just seven years old, he witnessed Viswanathan Anand’s loss to Magnus Carlsen, an experience that shaped his dream of bringing the title back to India.

“I was in the stands watching the 2013 championship and thought it would be so cool to be in that glass box one day,” Gukesh recalled. “When Magnus won, I decided I wanted to bring the title back to India. That dream has been the most important thing in my life so far.”

By the age of eight, Gukesh earned his FIDE rating, quickly rising through the ranks of international chess. Over the years, he honed his skills, culminating in his stunning victory over Ding Liren in Singapore.

In a grueling 14-day tournament, Gukesh displayed extraordinary skill and composure, ultimately becoming the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history. His triumph is a testament to over a decade of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.

A Shared Victory for India

While the rivalry between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh continues, Gukesh’s achievement transcends regional boundaries. His historic win is a source of pride for the entire nation, showcasing India’s growing prominence on the global chess stage.

Both states can lay claim to a part of Gukesh’s story, whether it’s Tamil Nadu’s role in nurturing his talent or Andhra Pradesh’s contribution to his heritage. Regardless of the debate, Gukesh’s success unites the country in celebrating a monumental milestone in Indian sports.