On June 2, 2025, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrated the remarkable victory of world chess champion D Gukesh over world number one Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess tournament. He described this achievement as a “pivotal moment” for Indian chess. The match, which lasted four hours, highlighted Gukesh’s exceptional skills.
Gukesh, 18, shocked the chess world by defeating Carlsen, who had been in a favourable position until a critical mistake during trouble led to his downfall. This victory, achieved during the Norway Chess 2025 event, highlighted Gukesh’s rising prominence on the global stage.
The match between Gukesh and Carlsen received widespread acclaim, with many declaring, “Gukesh is the future of Indian chess!” Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand congratulated Gukesh, highlighting his strategic resilience.
That moment when World Champion @DGukesh won his game against World no.1 Magnus Carlsen!
Video: @adityasurroy21/ ChessBase India#chess #chessbaseindia #norwaychess #gukesh pic.twitter.com/9YQhHYlia0
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) June 1, 2025
According to India Today, some Carlsen fans raised concerns about the Norwegian’s time management, but the overall consensus praised Gukesh’s tactical skills, solidifying his status as a potential world champion.
Gukesh’s recent victory, following his 2024 world championship title, enhances India’s profile in the chess world and inspires young players. The praise from the Chief Minister of Assam reflects a sense of national pride, with Sarma’s post emphasising the significance of this achievement. This win further solidifies India’s dominance in global chess, building on its successes during the 2024 Olympiad.
The D Gukesh Magnus Carlsen triumph is a landmark for Indian chess, showcasing Gukesh’s potential to redefine the sport. As the Norway Chess 2025 win fuels aspirations, it cements India’s growing influence, sparking global interest in its chess prodigies and future tournaments.