Gukesh’s Inspirational Journey: From Childhood Chess Boards to the 2024 FIDE World Championship Title

The story starts with a small boy and a big dream. A boy sitting quietly, staring at a chessboard, plotting his next move. That boy was Gukesh. Today, the world knows him as the 2024 FIDE World Chess Champion.

But his story isn’t just about winning. It’s about the quiet struggles no one saw along with the moments of doubt. It’s about a child who dared to dream and a family who dared to believe. Here is what you should know about Gukesh’s inspirational journey. 

Early Life and Beginnings

Gukesh was born on 29 May 2006, a regular boy in so many ways. But his parents noticed something others might’ve missed. There was focus in his eyes, a quiet curiosity, and a mind always ticking.

His father, an ENT surgeon, and his mother, a homemaker, didn’t push him to follow their path. Instead, they handed him a chessboard. Little did they know that the chessboard would make him popular one day. 

The First Step

Gukesh learned chess at the age of 7. His hands moved the pieces carefully as if he knew even then that every move mattered. He played his first tournaments at school, with his family cheering him on. Chess wasn’t just a game for Gukesh. It was a language he understood better than words.

The Turning Point in Gukesh’s Career

Becoming great at anything takes time. Gukesh understood this better than most.

He spent hours at the board while other kids played outside. Day after day, he practised, analysed, and improved. He didn’t win every time. There were losses and some of them stung. But each loss taught him something.

The Record That Changed Everything

Gukesh became the youngest Grandmaster in the world at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days. Imagine that—a 12-year-old making history. He smiled quietly when he won as if saying, “I’m just getting started.”

But success didn’t make him stop. It pushed him to work harder.

Gukesh’s Daily Routine and Training

People see champions on the stage, holding trophies. What they don’t see is the life behind it.

• The Early Morning Grind 

Gukesh’s day often began before the sun came up. It included long hours of practice, studying games of legends like Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand. His routine wasn’t glamorous. It was simple – work hard, learn, repeat.

• Staying Calm in the Storm

Chess isn’t just about moves. It’s about staying calm when the board looks hopeless. Yoga and meditation became part of Gukesh’s life. They taught him to breathe, focus, and fight with clarity.

• Learning from Losses

Some days were tough. Some matches ended in tears. But Gukesh never let those moments break him. Instead, he asked, “What can I do better next time?” Then he worked on it.

Gukesh’s Historic 2024 FIDE World Championship Victory

The final match of the 2024 FIDE World Championship was electric as the stakes were high. The world watched as Gukesh sat across the board, calm as ever.

Each move was thoughtful and deliberate. His opponent tried to rattle him, but Gukesh stayed steady. He didn’t rush and panic. 

Then came the moment when Gukesh defeated Ding Liren of China. The room erupted in applause as Gukesh had done it. He is the new World Champion.

Lessons from Gukesh’s Journey for Kids

Gukesh’s story isn’t just inspiring. Here is what kids can learn from Gukesh’s story. 

• Small Steps Add Up

Success isn’t magic. Success constitutes small and daily efforts that no one sees.

• Failure is a teacher

Every loss brings you closer to winning. You will move forward if you learn from your failures. 

• Family Matters

Behind every child with a dream is someone who believes in them.

• Balance is Everything

Hard work matters, but so does taking care of yourself—your mind, your body, and your heart.

Conclusion

Gukesh didn’t become a champion overnight. Gukesh’s story reminds us that greatness starts small, from a boy who once dreamed of winning to a young man who made it happen. 

At CMR Gandhi Public School, we believe that every child has a spark like Gukesh. We create opportunities for children to explore, fail, learn, and grow with chess clubs and practical learning experiences. It is because every big dream starts with a small step.