India’s chess prodigy, D Gukesh, made history last week by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the 14th game of the FIDE World Championship match in Singapore. Gukesh has been touched by the outpouring of support from fans and celebrities, including Rajinikanth and Sivakarthikeyan, whom he met in Chennai on Thursday.
Superstar Rajinikanth Meets Chess Prodigy D Gukesh
D Gukesh took to his official X handle on Thursday morning to share pictures from his meeting with superstar Rajinikanth.
The actor, dressed in a black kurta and grey lungi, posed for photos with Gukesh and his parents – his father, Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Padmavathi, a microbiologist. Rajinikanth also gifted Gukesh a shawl and a book, Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, published in 1946.
Sharing the pictures with the Superstar actor, Gukesh wrote: “Thanks Superstar @rajinikanth sir for your warm wishes and inviting ,spending time and sharing your wisdom with us 🙏”
Check out the Tweet:
Thanks Superstar @rajinikanth sir for your warm wishes and inviting ,spending time and sharing your wisdom with us 🙏 pic.twitter.com/l53dBCVVJH
— Gukesh D (@DGukesh) December 26, 2024
Gukesh’s Journey: The Role of Family Support in His Chess Success
For Gukesh, his parents are everything. His father also serves as his manager, handling all off-board tasks so Gukesh can focus on the game, while his mother provides emotional and spiritual support. He had previously expressed the unique roles his parents play in his life and the deep gratitude he feels for them.
“My parents had gone through financial and emotional hardships. Now, we are more comfortable and parents don’t need to think about those things,” he said.
In a manner typical of a South Indian household, he shared that his mother wants him to be a good person before being a good player.
“She still says, I will be happy to know that you are a great chess player but I would be happier to hear that you are a greater person,” Gukesh said.
Gukesh, who ended a remarkable year with a win in Singapore, expressed that both the journey and the destination are equally important, which is why it’s essential to stay mindful of the result.
“For example, if I played a beautiful game and lost, I would feel sad. And if I win despite not playing a great game, I will be happy. I tend to look at the result,” he said.
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