Teenage chess prodigy Gokesh Domaraju becomes youngest world champion: ‘I didn’t really expect to win’

India on Thursday paid tribute to chess prodigy Gokesh Domaraju, after the 18-year-old became the youngest world champion following his thrilling chess final victory over China’s Ding Liren.

Gokic surpassed the record held by Russia Garry Kasparovwho won the title at the age of 22, after achieving a dramatic finish in Singapore to be crowned champion.

Domaraju burst into tears as the hall erupted with cheers from the spectators. BBC reported.

“I was probably very emotional because I didn’t really expect to win this position,” he said. Reuters News Agency.

He also became the second Indian after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand to hold the title.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes for what he described as a “historic and exemplary” achievement.

“Congratulations to Gokesh D on his amazing achievement. This is a result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination,” Modi wrote on social media.

“His victory not only etched his name in the annals of chess history, but also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and strive for excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours.”

Anand, who played a guide on Gokesh’s remarkable journey, said the teenager was an overachiever.

“Congratulations! It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India… and for me, a very personal proud moment,” Anand said on Channel X.

Jokic won the final match, which appeared to be heading towards a draw that would have required more tie-break matches, after pouncing on a blunder by Deng.

“Ding appeared to have a risk-free opportunity to push for the win, but instead was eliminated to the end of the game,” Chess.com wrote in its post-match summary, according to the BBC. “It should have been withdrawn, but Deng made a mistake as the pressure mounted.”

Indian sports shooter and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra said the teenager had “inspired a generation”.

“Your brilliance, determination and grace under pressure made the entire nation proud of you,” Bindra said.

“You not only won a title, you inspired a generation to dream big. I wish you more success in the future!”

Born to a doctor father and a microbiologist mother in the southern Indian city of Chennai, Jokish became India’s youngest grandmaster at the age of 12 years, seven months and 17 days, and among the youngest in the history of the game.

He reached the World Championship when he became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious Candidates Championship in April.