Others

Indian Taekwondo Duo Selected for Historic World ChampionshipAshok Kumar Lenka, founder of Hawrang Academy and National Secretary General of Veterans India Sports, and Sabitri Pradhan, Superintendent of Police, Sikkim, have been selected to represent India at the World Taekwondo Senior Poomsae Championship - 2024 in the Under-60 years age category. This marks a historic moment for Indian Taekwondo, as it is the first time that senior athletes in this age group will compete in a World Championship.The duo will represent India in the Pair Poomsae event, which involves performing a set pattern of Taekwondo attack and defense movements. Poomsae is a fundamental aspect of Taekwondo, and the athletes will be judged on their accuracy, presentation, and speed.Lenka and Pradhan have a combined experience of nearly 80 years in Taekwondo. They are both Kukkiwon Masters and have won numerous international medals in Poomsae. Their selection for the World Championship is a testament to their dedication and skill.The World Taekwondo Senior Poomsae Championship will be held in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 4, 2024. The inclusion of senior age categories in the competition is a significant step forward for Taekwondo, as it allows experienced athletes to continue competing at the highest level.Lenka and Pradhan are confident in their abilities and are eager to represent India on the world stage. They have been training diligently and are determined to make their country proud. Their participation in the World Championship is a source of inspiration for aspiring Taekwondo athletes in India and around the world.

World Championship challenger D Gukesh will seek to enhance his reputation in rapid and blitz chess as he joins Vidit Gujrathi in the Superunited rapid and blitz chess tournament, part of the Grand Chess Tour.Gukesh, who is set to face Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren in Singapore from November 20th for the World Championship title, has consistently demonstrated his prowess in classical chess. However, he is yet to establish himself among the world's elite in faster time controls.In the event of a tie in the World Championship, rapid and blitz games will be played to determine the winner. Gukesh will be eager to emulate American Fabiano Caruana, who recently won the tiebreaker in Bucharest by defeating Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza Firouzja of France.Gujrathi, who received a wildcard, will be the other Indian participant in the tournament, which offers a prize pool of USD 175,000. The event will feature nine rounds of rapid chess and 18 rounds of blitz chess.With each rapid win worth two points and each blitz win worth one point, the odds favor top seed Caruana, who will aim for consecutive victories on the tour. Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi and Alireza are other contenders who could challenge for the title.Wesley So of the United States, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, and Anish Giri of the Netherlands are also in contention, while local star Ivan Saric and American Levon Aronian complete the ten-player field.So remains a threat but is struggling for form, while Vachier-Lagrave has yet to prove his consistency. Aronian led his team to victory in the recent Global Chess League in Dubai, but the former Armenian is past his peak. Giri has had mixed results in faster time controls and will be looking to end the tournament on a high note.All eyes will be on Gujrathi to see if he can replicate his impressive performance in the recent Candidates Tournament. Gujrathi was one of the best-prepared players in that event and could spring some surprises in Zagreb.

Garry Kasparov, the youngest-ever world champion at 22, could see his record being smashed later this year. Indian prodigy Gukesh D, just 17 years old, has already broken Kasparov's youngest-ever Candidates winner record.Kasparov himself acknowledged Gukesh's remarkable achievement, writing on social media: "The Indian earthquake in Toronto is the culmination of the shifting tectonic plates in the chess world as the 17-year-old Gukesh D will face the Chinese champion Ding Liren for the highest title. The 'children' of Vishy Anand are on the loose!"Gukesh's victory in the Candidates Tournament has sent shockwaves through the chess world. He is the youngest player to ever qualify for the Candidates, and his performance has been nothing short of sensational. In the tournament, he defeated some of the world's top players, including former world champion Fabiano Caruana and current world number two Ian Nepomniachtchi.Gukesh's success is a testament to the rising tide of young talent in chess. In recent years, we have seen a number of teenagers emerge as serious contenders for the world championship. This is due in part to the increasing popularity of chess online, which has allowed young players to gain experience and compete against top players from around the world.If Gukesh can continue his meteoric rise, he could become the youngest-ever world champion. He is already one of the most talented players in the world, and he has the potential to achieve great things.

D Gukesh, the 17-year-old Indian chess prodigy, has emerged victorious in the Candidates Tournament, securing his spot in the World Championship later this year. Despite the intense pressure and emotional rollercoaster of the tournament, Gukesh maintained a remarkable composure and resilience.In a candid moment, Gukesh revealed that he had to leave the playing hall during the crucial game between Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi, as the stress became overwhelming. However, his trainer, Grzegorz Gajewski, praised Gukesh's ability to stay calm and collected under pressure, a trait that has been instrumental in his success.Gukesh's journey to the top has been marked by unwavering determination and a willingness to face setbacks head-on. His pursuit of becoming the world's youngest GM involved countless sacrifices and sleepless nights. Despite missing the record by a narrow margin, Gukesh learned valuable lessons about handling expectations and critical moments.The period of uncertainty surrounding his qualification for the Candidates last year tested Gukesh's resolve. However, he emerged stronger, with a renewed focus and determination. His long-time trainer, Vishnu Prasanna, played a crucial role in helping Gukesh overcome the mental challenges and prepare for the tournament.Gukesh's approach to chess is characterized by adaptability and resourcefulness. He has consciously limited his use of chess engines, allowing him to develop his intuition and problem-solving skills. This has enabled him to execute surprising moves and find creative solutions on the board.His maturity and pragmatism have also been evident in his play. Gukesh is no longer solely focused on winning but is willing to make strategic draws when necessary. This newfound flexibility has contributed to his success in the Candidates.World No.1 Magnus Carlsen, who initially underestimated Gukesh's chances, was impressed by his performance. He advised Gukesh to remain patient and wait for his opportunities, a strategy that proved effective.As Gukesh prepares to face reigning World Champion Ding Liren, he carries the hopes of India and the chess world. His remarkable journey and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to young players everywhere.

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history by becoming the first teenager to lead the Candidates Tournament with just one round remaining. The 17-year-old stands on the cusp of a remarkable achievement, potentially becoming the youngest player ever to qualify for the World Championship.Gukesh's journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In Round 13, he secured a crucial victory against Alireza Firouzja, while his co-leaders, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura, opted for a draw. Fabiano Caruana also closed the gap with a win against R Praggnanandhaa.Despite the pressure, Gukesh has remained composed and focused. "I'm just trying my best to stay calm," he said. "There are nerves, but I've been eager and excited from the first round."The final round promises to be a nail-biting affair, with Gukesh holding a half-point lead over Nakamura, Caruana, and Nepomniachtchi. A draw against Nakamura should suffice for Gukesh if Caruana and Nepomniachtchi also draw. However, if the latter game ends decisively, the tournament will extend into a tie-break.Gukesh's success is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has shown remarkable resilience in his first Candidates appearance, balancing aggression with caution.In the women's section, China's Tan Zhongyi has taken the sole lead with a full point advantage going into the final round. A draw should secure her a spot in the World Championship. India's R Vaishali has also impressed, winning her fourth consecutive game and moving into a tie for third place.The dominance of Chinese players in women's chess continues, with every world champion since 2017 hailing from China.

India's D Gukesh remains in contention for the World Championship challenger spot after Round 12 of the Candidates tournament, sharing the lead with Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura. With just two rounds remaining, the race for the coveted title is heating up.Gukesh, known for his aggressive style, employed a rare opening idea in the Nimzo-Indian against Nijat Abasov. The Azerbaijani was caught off guard and struggled to find logical moves. Gukesh's plan to unsettle his opponent and play for a win proved successful, as Abasov missed drawing chances in the endgame.Fabiano Caruana, who had a slow start to the tournament, has surged back into contention with a win over India's Vidit Gujrathi. Caruana's victory keeps him half a point behind the leaders.Nakamura, the American grandmaster, has also joined the leading trio after defeating Alireza Firouzja. Nakamura has won three consecutive games, putting him in a strong position to challenge for the World Championship.The only draw in the Open section came between Praggnanandhaa and Nepomniachtchi.In the Women's section, Kateryna Lagno and Lei Tingjie drew their match, while Vaishali Rameshbabu defeated Anna Muzychuk. Aleksandra Goryachkina and Koneru Humpy also played out a draw, while Nurgyul Salimova and Tan Zhongyi shared the point.With two rounds remaining, the tension is palpable as the players vie for the chance to challenge the reigning World Champion, Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh, Nepomniachtchi, and Nakamura are the frontrunners, but Caruana and Praggnanandhaa are still in the hunt.