Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name in the annals of chess history by defeating defending champion Ding Liren to claim the prestigious World Chess Championship title. At just 18 years old, Gukesh has become the youngest-ever world champion, surpassing previous records and earning widespread acclaim.
D Gukesh, world chess champion, shared a hilarious Instagram post posing with a funny sign. (Instagram/gukesh.official)
This incredible victory also makes Gukesh India’s second world champion, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand. With his triumph, he has firmly cemented his place among the greats of the game, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts in India and beyond.
Celebrating with a touch of humour
On Sunday, Gukesh took to Instagram to share a celebratory post with his followers. In the photo, the young champion is seen flashing a broad smile while pointing to a humorous sign that reads, “I know I am pretty, but please do not touch me.”
Check out his post here:
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The post, which has garnered over 200k likes, drew an outpouring of love and admiration from fans.
Social media reactions
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The post, which has garnered over 200k likes, drew an outpouring of love and admiration from fans.
Social media reactions
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One user wrote, “A champion with a sense of humour! You’ve made us proud, Gukesh!” Another commented, “What a brilliant win! You’re the future of Indian chess.”
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Fans also highlighted the emotional post-match moment. “The hug with your father melted my heart. Truly inspiring,” remarked another. A fourth user added, “You’ve brought glory to India at just 18. Incredible achievement!”
An emotional finale
The championship match was a gripping contest, with both players beginning on an equal footing. Ding Liren, determined to force a tie-breaker, put up a formidable fight. However, a crucial mistake by the defending champion paved the way for Gukesh’s historic victory.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the young champion broke down in tears moments after securing the win. He later rushed outside to share a heartfelt embrace with his father, a poignant scene that resonated deeply with fans.
Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.
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Home/Trending/D Gukesh goes from world champion to internet darling with a hilarious ‘do not touch’ pic
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