D Gukesh created history on December 12, when he defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever Chess World Champion. This was a huge moment for the 18-year-old, who could not control his emotions after achieving the monumental feat as he failed to hold back his tears. He was then seen crying while calling his mother, and then coming out of the arena in Singapore to hug his father. Gukesh's parents Rajnikanth and Padma have been by their son's side right from the start, and have been pillars of success.

D Gukesh's mother Padma and father Rajnikanth are both doctors. While his father is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon in Chennai, his mother is a microbiologist. According to an article on Men's Health magazine, Gukesh's parents took a step back from their careers time and time again to help Gukesh pursue his dreams of becoming a chess superstar.

Gukesh himself has said that his father accompanies him to various tournaments around the world. On the other hand, his mother offers him advice and emotional support wherever he is in the world over the phone. In an interview, Gukesh called his parents as a source of emotional strength and guidance.

The match between D Gukesh and Ding Liren was one for the ages as the game looked set to head into the tiebreak. After the 13th game, both were tied at 6.5 points each as the match headed for the 14th game which was the decider. However, the match finally turned in D Gukesh's favour, when Ding Liren committed a massive blunder in the 55th move of the game. This led to Gukesh winning the match, as Liren conceded.

Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. He broke the record of Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen, both of whom won their first World Championships at 22 years of age.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Chess, Sports and around the world.