'Never Be Content': Gukesh's Success Mantra, A Journey Of Talent, Resilience, & Continuous Improvement
Calm. Cool. Collected. Stoic. And steadfast.
That is Gukesh when playing chess.
Point to be noted - he is all of 17 years old.
Dommaraju Gukesh¡¯s recent triumph in the FIDE candidates tournament in Toronto, making him the youngest-ever challenger for the world title, is hailed as a landmark moment for Indian chess.
Why winning the Candidates tournament is a landmark event
Gukesh had showcased his talent by achieving the title of Grandmaster at the age of 12 in 2019.?
However, participating in the Candidates tournament is a different league altogether. This prestigious event brings together eight of the world's top chess players in a challenging double-round format.?
Besides skill, winning requires exceptional preparation, strong physical endurance, and the ability to remain composed throughout the competition.
Where does a 17-year-old get all of this?
Never being content with what one has: Gukesh¡¯s success mantra
Gukesh's stamina is partially attributed to his young age.
In his post game-comments with the world chess federation or FIDE Gukesh says, "There are pros and cons considering my age and, you could say, lack of experience, but there are also some advantages. Like such a long tournament, it is easier to be focused at my age. There is a lack of experience, but I am trying my best."
Also contributing to his stamina is physical activity - Gukesh plays tennis regularly. He engages in at least three sets per day, every day of the week, when he's in Chennai.
Additionally, Gukesh maintains a consistent routine of meditation and yoga, which could aid in maintaining composure. This definitely helps in recovering well from defeats.
His success mantra is dedication and continuous improvement.
In an interview with FIDE, Gukesh says,? "I just try to enjoy the process and keep improving day by day."
He adds, "... one thing that I always try to remember is to never be content with what I have achieved, and you know it¡¯s a long, long journey. Each day I have to keep improving and enjoying the process."
Gukesh¡¯s support system
Gukesh's emotional support comes from his parents.
Gukesh's dad, Rajnikanth, used to be an ENT surgeon but stopped practicing a decade ago to support Gukesh's chess aspirations. He accompanied Gukesh to the tournament. Gukesh's mom, Padma Kumari, works as a microbiologist.
Speaking to ET, Padma says, "When it comes to chess, he looks after it himself. We are his emotional support. His father is his primary source of strength and support; he is like a pillar to him. It¡¯s been nearly 10 years since his father left his medical profession and began guiding our son through everything ¡ª from training to applying for visas."
About herself, Gukesh says he comes to her for emotional support.?
She says, "I never give him chess advice. Instead, I talk to him about motivational stories, sharing motivational anecdotes and quotes from the biographies of famous people, and what they did to achieve success. When he loses, he talks to me a lot, and I help him get clarity over his thoughts and goals."
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