‘Great game players’: Gukesh D chooses MS Dhoni and sneakers as ‘inspirations’

India’s latest chess sensation D Gukesh admires the way charismatic former Indian captain MS Dhoni and iconic tennis player Novak Djokovic absorb intense pressure, saying he takes inspiration from this special trait of the two special athletes. Gukesh, 17, made history by recently winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto to become the youngest challenger for the world title, surpassing a record set by the legendary Garry Kasparov 40 years ago. The triumph gives Gukesh a clash against current world champion Ding Liren of China in the final quarter of the year.

The Chennai teenager surpassed Kasparov’s record by a good distance, as the great Russian was 22 when he qualified in 1984 to face compatriot Anatoly Karpov.

Gukesh, on his return after winning Candidates, told PTI, “I think the way Dhoni and tennis great Novak Djokovic deal with immense pressure, they are great players and they always come out on top and give their best every time.” as necessary. That’s why I’m attracted to them.” While Dhoni, former India and Chennai Super Kings captain, led India to two World Cup victories and five IPL titles, Serbia’s Djokovic won a record 24 Grand Slam titles and has enough to win a few more.

Norwegian chess great Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion who lost his 2024 qualification spot citing lack of motivation in playing the longer version of the game in the existing tournament structure, has been a motivation for several youngsters and Gukesh is one of them .

“There are a lot of things you can learn from him (Carlsen). Not just chess, but also mental attitude. He has one of the best mentalities in the world in any sport, I would say.” The Grandmaster champion added that all chess players would have been nervous during their careers, but with experience they learn to deal with it.

“We all get nervous, and through experience we all learn how to deal with it. Yes, I think a little maturity and practice.” Gukesh is looking forward to the challenge from reigning world champion Ding Liren and says his preparations for the summit clash will begin soon. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is exploring the possibility of hosting the world title match in the country.

“My training for the final will start soon and I hope it will be a lot of fun.

The legendary Kasparov praised Gukesh’s achievement at the Candidates, saying the teenage GM was “the Indian earthquake in Toronto”.

The Chennai lad said this means a lot to him.

“Kasparov is one of my heroes and one of the greatest chess players of all time, and to receive such great praise and attention from him really means a lot,” he said.

Talking about cricket, Gukesh said he hasn’t been following cricket lately but is an avid sports lover.

“Recently, I haven’t been following cricket much. But I like all kinds of sports, especially tennis. I like to play some sports and in general, I’m just passionate about sports,” he said.