Indian chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju’s victory at the World Chess Championship has triggered a new political battle in the country as Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh debated his heritage.
The state rivalry became evident after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote on X wishing the Indian player: “Congratulations to @DGukesh 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,” he said.
“Tamil Nadu is proud of you!” the CM said.
In his tweet, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu claimed Gukesh as a Telegu boy. “Hearty congratulations to our very own Telugu boy, Indian Grandmaster @DGukesh, 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!”
Gukesh, who belongs to Telugu heritage, was born and raised in Chennai.
The conflicting claims of the two Chief Ministers originate from the player’s origin.
His parents, both medical professionals, have deep roots in the Telugu-speaking region, further fueling the debate over his “true” identity, reported Hindustan Times.
Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024.
The Indian player won it after battling it out hard for three weeks in Singapore.
Gukesh defeated the former chess champion in the 14th game, which was on its way for yet another draw, but a blunder by the Chinese helped the Indian GM clinch the title for the first time.
“Since the time I started playing, I have been dreaming about living this moment. Every chess player wants to experience this moment but a very few get the chance. I’m living my dream,” said Gukesh after scripting history.
“We all know who Ding is – he has been one of the best players in history for several years. For me he is the real World Champion,” he added.
Earlier, Russian chess player Garry Kasparov was the youngest world champion, which now belongs to the 18-year-old Gukesh.
Kasparov had won the championship in 1985 at the age of 22.
Gukesh also became the first Indian chess champion since Viswanathan Anand, who won it five times, with the last victory coming in 2012.
