'We were not a well-off family,' World Champion Gukesh opens up about his parents' sacrifices
Gukesh said his chess journey wasn't just his, but that of his parents, Rajnikanth and Padma, as well.
Gukesh said his chess journey wasn't just his, but that of his parents, Rajnikanth and Padma, as well.
Gukesh said his chess journey wasn't just his, but that of his parents, Rajnikanth and Padma, as well.
D Gukesh has opened up about his parents' sacrifices to help him achieve his dream of becoming the World Chess Champion.
"I have been dreaming about this moment since I started my chess journey at about 7... but the dream was probably bigger for them than it was for me," Gukesh said about his parents, Rajnikanth and Padma Kumari.
Gukesh's father, Rajnikanth, quit his job as an ENT surgeon around 2018 to accompany him to chess tournaments, while his mother worked as a microbiologist to support the family. "We were not a very well-off family, so they had to face a lot of financial struggles. But I did not realise it at that time. At some point in 2017 and 2018, we were running so low on money that my parents' friends sponsored me. My parents had to make many lifestyle changes just for me to play tournaments. They made the most sacrifices."
Gukesh said he was happy to have helped his parents materialise their dreams through him. "They are both sports lovers; they did not get the chance to pursue their passion in their youth.
"When I was born, they decided to do whatever they could to support me. When I started showing talent in chess, they went to such lengths. Now that I look back, I realise they are just crazy (chuckles). They have been simply the biggest support. My whole journey is not just for me. I love them both," Gukesh said.
His father has been with him in Singapore, accompanying him daily to the match venue. Gukesh said he was looking forward to having his mother also by his side for the medal ceremony on Friday.