New Delhi: D Gukesh triumphed in the World Chess Championship by defeating Ding Liren. To focus on chess, his family made the bold decision to withdraw him from school early. His mother, Padma Kumari, reflected on their journey, acknowledging the doubts they faced but also the unwavering dedication Gukesh showed. His victory has since validated their choice, solidifying him as a champion.
At just 18, D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling 14-game series held in Singapore.
His victory sparked global admiration, not only for the brilliance of his gameplay but also for the unique sacrifices that played a crucial role in his meteoric rise to the top.
Central to D Gukesh’s extraordinary journey is his mother, Padma Kumari, who openly discussed the sacrifices and decisions made by the family. One of the most pivotal choices was withdrawing Gukesh from formal schooling after the 4th or 5th grade.
In an interview with Chess Base India, Padma revealed, “There are many critical moments when we doubted ourselves. I don’t know how to say it exactly. Whenever he didn’t play well, we used to wonder whether we had made the right decision for him. He was very young, and it was our responsibility to make decisions for him. You know, he didn’t go to school after fourth or fifth grade.”
This decision, while unconventional in the contemporary Indian setting, allowed Gukesh to focus entirely on his passion for chess.
“So, in India—or anywhere—it’s a big decision. For any child, not studying is risky. It was a risk-taking moment, deciding whether it was appropriate to stop his studies and put him fully into chess,” she added.
“Whenever he achieved something or his rating improved, we felt happy, like we were on the right path. But as parents, whenever he didn’t do well in a tournament, we doubted ourselves—not Gukesh, but our decision. This happened many times, especially during his younger days. But as he matured, we could see how disciplined and hardworking he was. That gave us confidence. We knew he would definitely come up.”
Despite the scepticism and challenges, Padma emphasized her unwavering belief in her son’s talent and hard work, along with a deep trust in God. “Not sending him to school was such a tough call, and even now, many people say we took a risk. You know, choosing a different path—keeping him out of school and putting him fully into chess—came with so much uncertainty. Initially, we thought we’d wait till 8th grade and then decide. But even after 9th grade, we saw him showing improvement, so we kept going. By God’s grace, everything went well.”
“This (seeing Gukesh become the World Chess Champion) is the first time I feel we made the correct decision. He wouldn’t have been able to balance both school and chess. When you focus entirely on one thing—your passion—you can definitely shine.”
In a grand ceremony organized by the Tamil Nadu State Government last Tuesday, Gukesh was honored for his outstanding achievements in chess. The event was graced by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who presented Gukesh with a cheque for Rs 5 crore in recognition of his accomplishments.
About The Author
