‘Happy & proud of what India is achieving in chess’

When most kids his age were glued to mobile phones or PlayStations, he was sure of what he wanted to achieve in life. By the time he turned 18, he had the world at his feet. In a freewheeling chat with Shalabh Saxena, the only second Indian world chess champion after Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh D, who won TOISA recently talked about his chess life and the experiences during his remarkable journey. Excerpts:
Q. How does it feel to be on top of the world?
I’m very happy and feel blessed to be living my dream. It’s a surreal feeling, which also brings greater responsibilities.
Q. Have you noticed any change in yourself or your approach to the game after becoming the world champion?
I am mostly playing my normal game. The kind of preparations I made for the World Championship have played a role in my subsequent tournaments, helping me a lot in the matches I’m playing now. Of course, I’m taking one match at a time and not stressing about other things.
Q. Since you have achieved the pinnacle of success in chess at such a young age, do you have any other interests you want to explore? Just like GM Parimarjan Negi, who left chess at his peak to pursue higher studies?
I have no such plans, and I have no interest other than chess. Beyond chess, I only spend time with my family and friends.
Q. Growing up, did you feel any pressure when your peers were also chasing the youngest Grandmaster feat?
At that time, there was quite a bit of pressure, mostly self-inflicted, because I was only 12 and didn’t know how to handle it. But that was a very important phase of my career because I learned how to deal with pressure. That phase helped me a lot in absorbing the big-stage pressure when crossing 2700 or 2750, winning the Candidates, and eventually becoming world champion.
Q. After becoming world champion, did you ever feel that you are a world champion, and can’t lose a game? How does it feel to go out in public now?
Even before the World Championship, I never wanted to lose any game. Losing is something I hate, and winning is something I love more than anything. I want to go out there, give my best, and win as many games as possible. A lot of people recognize me now, which is really a great feeling.
Q. Praggnanandhaa, in the last edition of TOISA, said that India is going to be a chess powerhouse. Indian players proved him right by winning gold in the Olympiad in both the categories, and after that, you became the world champion. What’s your take on Indian chess?
I’m very happy and proud of what India is achieving in the chess world. We are doing a lot, and many more talents are coming up. I’m happy to be playing a part in that.
Q. Do you think the negative reactions from some former chess greats regarding your World Championship title stem from India’s growing influence in the game?
In my personal view, when you reach the World Championship stage, you are bound to face criticism, and people are free to say whatever they want. I will continue to do my job. Also, I’m not on social media, so a lot of negative things don’t reach me easily. But I do come across some negative comments, and they only motivate me.
Q. What advice would you give to youngsters who want to take up chess professionally? And how much time do you spend on chess daily?
Just enjoy whatever you do with full love and passion, be honest, and continue working hard, the results will follow. My training hours depend on the day. When I have no commitments, I dedicate almost 10 hours to chess.
Q. It’s often said in India that it is hard to become a Grandmaster if you keep playing in India, you have to go to Europe to gain ELO and achieve norms. What’s your take on this?
A few years ago, that was the case, but things are improving now. There are more tournaments, more sponsors are coming forward, and the govt is also providing support. However, the financial burden exists in every sport, and you have to travel a lot in search of glory.