Gukesh's mother reveals he stopped school after 5th grade: 'Huge risk, we doubted our decision whenever he struggled'

The dedication and sacrifices of D. Gukesh and his parents have gained significant attention, especially after his victory at the World Championship. In a recent interview with ChessBase India, Gukesh's mother, Padma Kumari, opens up about her son's upbringing, his relentless determination, and the bold decision they made as parents to stop sending him to school after the 5th grade and fully commit to his chess career.

Huge risk to not send Gukesh to school after 5th class, says Padma

Padma Kumari explains how she and her husband, Rajnikanth, made the decision to stop sending Gukesh to school after 5th grade, allowing him to fully dedicate himself to chess.

"There were several critical moments when we questioned our choices. It's hard to put into words, but whenever he didn't perform well, we would wonder if we had made the right decision for him," said Padma Kumari.

"He was so young, and it was up to us to make those decisions for him, especially since he stopped going to school after the 4th or 5th grade."

She continued, "Whenever he didn't do well in a tournament, we never doubted Gukesh, but we often found ourselves questioning our decision. This happened many times."

Gukesh's 'never give up' attitude was instilled by his father

Padma Kumari reveals that Gukesh's "never give up" attitude was something his father, Rajnikanth, instilled in him from a young age.

Credit: BCCL | Gukesh with his father Rajnikanth

"When he (Gukesh) was young, when the tournament doesn't go well, he wants to withdraw. But his father never allowed him to do so. He always told him, 'You have to finish the tournament and fight till the end,'" she shared.

'Maybe that time he felt bad that his father is not understanding him but once he became mature, he realised that that's the most important value his father has instilled in him - 'Never give up.'"

D Gukesh on his parents role in his success

Credit: BCCL

"I have been dreaming about this moment since I started my chess journey at about 7," Gukesh said after winning the championship title. "But the dream was probably bigger for them than it was for me."

He went on to express gratitude for their support, adding, "The most sacrifices are done by my parents, my family, friends.."

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