The Hands Behind the Board: How D Gukesh’s Parents Quietly Built a Chess Prodigy
The Hands Behind the Board: How D Gukesh’s Parents Quietly Built a Chess Prodigy
It didn’t start with a trophy or a tournament win it began with a quiet spark. At six years old, Dommaraju Gukesh was captivated by the black-and-white squares of a chessboard. What seemed like a passing curiosity to most became, in the eyes of his parents, a calling worth every sacrifice.
On May 27, 2025, that long-nurtured spark blazed into the global spotlight. At just 19, Gukesh stunned the chess world by defeating both Magnus Carlsen, a five-time world champion, and Arjun Erigaisi, one of India’s brightest young stars, at the prestigious Norway Chess Tournament. These consecutive wins catapulted him to the No. 2 spot in the world FIDE rankings making him the youngest player in history to reach that milestone, trailing only American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana.
Yet, behind these triumphs lies a quieter, profound journey one shaped not only by talent but by relentless parenting, profound sacrifices, and a family’s unwavering belief in a child’s dream.
Gukesh’s father, Dr. Rajinikanth, was an accomplished ENT surgeon in Chennai. But when his son’s chess ambitions demanded time and travel, he made a bold decision — he gave up his medical practice to accompany Gukesh full-time. From local competitions to elite international stages, he became not only a travel companion but an emotional anchor.
At home, Padma Kumari, Gukesh’s mother, shouldered the rest. Managing the household and handling finances often strained due to limited sponsorship in the early years she made sure nothing distracted her son from the 64 squares. Her role, though rarely visible, formed the foundation upon which Gukesh could build his focus and resilience.
These were not fleeting sacrifices. The family endured financial hardships, long periods apart, and missed personal milestones. But their belief in Gukesh never wavered. It was Rajinikanth urging him to persevere after tough losses and Padma silently holding the family together when pressure mounted.
This foundation helped Gukesh rise rapidly. In 2019, at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, he became the third-youngest Grandmaster in chess history. He later led India to a gold medal at the 2020 FIDE Online Chess Olympiad, and now, with his recent victories in Norway, he stands on the brink of the world No. 1 title.
Gukesh often credits his calm demeanor and mental strength to his parents. Their names may not be on his trophies, but their sacrifices are etched into every move he makes. His story is not just about chess brilliance it’s about the silent, steadfast hands that helped carve it.
