New Delhi: Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand has advised reigning world champion D Gukesh to block out external criticism and concentrate on his own game, as scrutiny around the young champion continues to grow.
Gukesh’s historic rise in December 2024, when he became the youngest world chess champion, marked a landmark moment in the sport. However, the period following his triumph has been challenging. A dip in performance, a noticeable drop in rating points, and increasing public analysis have placed him under intense pressure.
Adding to the competitive landscape is the emergence of Javokhir Sindarov, whose recent achievements have drawn widespread attention and raised expectations for a high-stakes clash between the two young players later this year.
Anand emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and perspective. He encouraged Gukesh to concentrate on personal improvement and not be distracted by outside opinions. He acknowledged that criticism can be difficult to ignore but described it as a natural part of being at the top level.
The young champion has also faced remarks from leading figures in the chess world, including Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov. Both have highlighted Sindarov’s recent form, with suggestions that the Uzbek contender could hold an edge in their anticipated encounter. Carlsen, in particular, pointed to visible weaknesses in Gukesh’s game.
Despite this, Anand stressed that such attention is inevitable for a world champion. He noted that holding the title invites both admiration and scrutiny, as competitors aim to challenge the reigning leader. He also highlighted the importance of appreciating the achievement while it lasts, reminding that the value of such success is often fully understood only in hindsight.
Ultimately, Anand believes that consistent performances on the board remain the most effective response. With a historic showdown on the horizon, Gukesh will have the opportunity to reinforce his standing and silence doubts through results.
