Blitz Bureau
GUKESH winning the World Championship title in Singapore was a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by his father Rajni Kanth, an ENT specialist, who left his career in order to fulfil his dreams.
Kanth accompanied his son to every tournament the youngster played anywhere. It was left to Gukesh’s mother Padma Kumari, a microbiologist, to fend for the family. Another big gamble taken by Gukesh’s parents was to pull him out of school when he was in Class 4, in order to ensure that he pursued a full-time career in the game.
In the absence of any sponsors, Gukesh’s parents had to dig deep in order to meet his coaching and travel expenses. There were even occasions where they had to borrow from relatives and friends. It was only after Gukesh won his Grandmaster GM norm that a couple of sponsors came up and the family was able to get financial stability.
When Gukesh won the championship, he rushed out of the hall to embrace his father. Later, during the felicitation ceremony, he handed over the Cup to his parents. Gukesh’s humility also was on full display in Singapore. He didn’t resort to any fist-pumping or shouting after winning the tournament. Instead, he rearranged the pieces on the chessboard, including his opponent’s, a gesture signifying respect for the game that has brought him so much glory.
