D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov are set to face each other at the upcoming World Chess Championships this year, where the Indian GM will be defending his title. Gukesh became the youngest-ever undisputed world champion in 2024, defeating Ding Liren. But since then, it's been a downward spiral for him, and he has been in poor form.
Javokhir Sindarov spoke about facing D Gukesh. (HT_PRINT)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
His poor form has been well-reflected at the ongoing 2026 Norway Chess. He lost to R Praggnanandhaa in their Round 9 game and is currently bottom of the standings with 1 win, 4 defeats, 4 draws, and 2 Armageddon victories.
Speaking to PTI, Sindarov said, “I feel he is a very smart player. I played him at Tata Steel chess; he’s really very strong.”
"I don’t see any clear weakness in his game. From next month I’ll start my preparations, but right now I need to focus on the Olympiad. My team is already working on the World Championship," he added.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
The upcoming World C'ship will have a 14-game format, and it could pose a huge challenge for Sindarov. "Actually, I’ve played 6-8 matches in the men’s World Cup, but this classical 14-game match, I’ve never played before. I cannot say anything because I don’t have any experience, but I know it will be very hard, and I also know I’m very close," he said.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
The upcoming World C'ship will have a 14-game format, and it could pose a huge challenge for Sindarov. "Actually, I’ve played 6-8 matches in the men’s World Cup, but this classical 14-game match, I’ve never played before. I cannot say anything because I don’t have any experience, but I know it will be very hard, and I also know I’m very close," he said.
{{/usCountry}}
"So, I’m close to winning this tournament, like Gukesh also, because the chances might be similar, so it will be a very good match. But from my side, I just want to work on my chess and play well in my next tournament and in the World Championship match too," he added.
While speaking to the Indian media in Oslo, he opened up on how he trained when he was younger. Sindarov said, "(When I was young) I would train 15 hours in chess for a week. It’s not a level (needed) for a grandmaster. I was at 2670 or 2680. But when I started working seriously, I got more than 80 ELO rating points in one year."
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
"Some people do yoga. I play Counter Strike. It helps me to kill all of my negative emotions. I’m trying to kill these negative emotions by playing Counter Strike. After I’m done playing I start feeling like I’m born right now and I can do everything," he said.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Others/Ahead of World C'ship clash, Javokhir Sindarov makes honest admission about D Gukesh: ‘I don’t see any clear weakness'
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
