Why is Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Fighting Over Gukesh After He Became World’s Youngest Chess Champion?

As Gukesh charts his future in the chess world, the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh may continue their battle for recognition.

18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the youngest-ever undisputed World Chess Champion, a feat that has captivated chess enthusiasts worldwide. However, his monumental victory has not only elevated India’s standing in the global chess arena but also sparked a fierce debate between the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, each vying to claim Gukesh as their own.

The Victory That Shook the Chess World

Gukesh’s path to victory culminated in a gruelling 14-day contest in Singapore, where he defeated reigning champion Ding Liren of China. This triumph fulfilled a dream ignited in 2013 when a young Gukesh watched Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand lose the championship to Magnus Carlsen in Chennai.

“I was in the stands, looking at the players inside the glass box, and I thought, it would be so cool to be in there one day. “When Magnus won, I resolved to bring the title back to India,” Gukesh reminisced after his historic win.

From being rated by FIDE at the age of eight to achieving the ultimate title, Gukesh’s journey is a testament to his dedication and talent. His win continues India’s proud chess legacy and solidifies his place among the sport’s greats.

Gukesh’s victory has also set off a heated political and cultural battle between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, with both states claiming ties to the young prodigy.

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, was the first to congratulate Gukesh on his achievement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Stalin declared, “Tamil Nadu is proud of you,” and highlighted Chennai’s reputation as the “global Chess Capital.” Accompanying his message was a photograph of him presenting Gukesh with a gold medal, underscoring the state’s significant role in supporting chess.

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.

Tamil Nadu is… pic.twitter.com/pQvyyRcmA1

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 12, 2024

“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,” Stalin wrote.

Within hours, Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, responded with his own congratulatory message, claiming Gukesh as “our very own Telugu boy.” Naidu celebrated Gukesh’s triumph as a moment of pride for Andhra Pradesh, asserting the young champion’s Telugu roots.

“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,” Naidu posted on X.

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… pic.twitter.com/TTAzV9CRbX

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 12, 2024

The core of the dispute lies in Gukesh’s background. Born and raised in Chennai to Telugu-speaking parents, Gukesh’s heritage reflects the shared cultural and historical ties between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. While Tamil Nadu points to its role in nurturing Gukesh’s talent, including a ₹75 lakh grant reported earlier this year, Andhra Pradesh highlights his familial roots in the Telugu-speaking region.

Online debates have erupted, with users from both states presenting arguments and counterarguments about Gukesh’s origins. Screenshots of news reports detailing Tamil Nadu’s financial support for Gukesh have been widely circulated, while others have emphasised his Telugu heritage to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s claim.

Gukesh’s love for chess began at the age of seven. Inspired by Viswanathan Anand, he embarked on a journey that has seen him rise through the ranks of international chess. His determination was evident as he reflected on his 2013 World Chess Championship experience: “This dream that I had more than 10 years ago has been the most important thing in my life so far.”

Despite the regional rivalry over his identity, Gukesh’s achievement transcends borders, uniting the nation in celebrating a momentous accomplishment. His victory is a powerful reminder of India’s enduring legacy in chess and the potential of its young talent to make history on the world stage.

As Gukesh charts his future in the chess world, the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh may continue their battle for recognition. But for Gukesh, his identity as a world champion belongs to India — a nation that stands united in pride and admiration for its youngest chess prodigy.

Also read: Who is D Gukesh Who Created History By Becoming Youngest World Chess Champion

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