D Gukesh makes honest admission about poor form ahead of World Championship title defence

D Gukesh performances at the FIDE Grand Swiss and the World Cup last year did not match his standards.

Updated on: Jun 13, 2026, 05:53:39 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

2024 saw D Gukesh become the youngest-ever world champion, achieving what most chess players dream of. In 2024, he became the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates tournament. He defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion in history, breaking Garry Kasparov's long-standing record.

D Gukesh will take on Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov at the upcoming World C'ships this year. (HT_PRINT)

But since becoming the world champion, life hasn't been straightforward for Gukesh. Since becoming the world champion in 2024, Gukesh has found himself dealing with higher expectations. Every opponent is more motivated to defeat him, and his results are analysed more closely than before.

Also Read: As R Praggnanandhaa scales new heights, Anand believes D Gukesh must look to his rival for inspiration

His performances at the FIDE Grand Swiss and the World Cup last year did not match his standards. In 2025, he defeated Magnus Carlsen, but he hasn't been able to build on that win. This year, he has been in disastrous form.

Still, he remains determined to learn from every outing. Speaking to the Indian Express after the conclusion of Norway Chess, he said, "It is a challenge to switch on and switch off. I think that's one of the qualities that people who are consistent and have sustainable and long careers have. They are able to switch on and switch off when they need to. I still have to develop that quality, but overall I think it was a very nice experience on the rest day."

He will take on Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov at the upcoming World C'ships this year. Sindarov earned the right to challenge for the crown after winning the 2026 Candidates tournament in Cyprus.

Meanwhile, during Norway Chess, he said, "Most of it (critical comments made by former greats) I don't see, but there are some that I have heard and I think it's fair."

"I have not been performing well in the last one-and-a-half year and I think I would say that my performances have been way below expectations. They (critics) have the right to say what they feel and I have the right to do my best," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
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.Read More

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.