Finance Ministry offers a Draw to Gukesh: Journey from Struggle to Stardom, Now Tax-Exempt

In a historic victory that has reverberated across the global chess community, 18-year-old D Gukesh from Chennai has emerged as the new world chess champion, securing the title after a formidable win over China’s Ding Liren.

Gukesh pocketed an impressive Rs 11.45 crore in prize money from the event—an amount that would make him a multi-millionaire at a remarkably young age. Now, in a surprise development, the Ministry of Finance has announced a special tax waiver on Gukesh’s winnings, granting him the full benefit of his hard-earned reward, as per a report from The Philox.

The Ministry’s decision, which was confirmed late on Monday evening, is expected to ease any lingering concerns over financial hurdles that the family may have faced. For Gukesh, who hails from a middle-class background in Chennai, this relief is more than just a financial boon—it symbolizes the acknowledgment of his extraordinary contribution to the sport and his role as a new national icon. “We recognize the immense pride Gukesh has brought to the country,” a Ministry official stated. “It is only fitting that we exempt his winnings from taxation, allowing him to invest fully in his future and further hone his craft.”

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Gukesh’s journey to the pinnacle of chess stardom was shaped by a series of sacrifices made within his close-knit family. His father, Rajnikanth, gave up a successful career as an ENT surgeon to travel alongside his son, ensuring that the young prodigy received the right coaching, exposure, and moral support. Meanwhile, his mother, Padmakumari, a microbiologist, singlehandedly shouldered the family’s financial responsibilities, working tirelessly to ensure that Gukesh never fell short of opportunities. Now, with his unprecedented victory and the newly announced tax exemption, the entire family’s commitment has been vindicated.

In a conversation with india.com, Gukesh acknowledged the role of financial stability in his journey without ever losing sight of his true passion. “When I started playing chess, we had to make tough decisions,” he said. “My parents went through both financial and emotional struggles. Now, we are more comfortable, and they no longer have to worry about these things.” He spoke about the relief and freedom that financial security brings, even as he remains committed to the artistry of the game rather than monetary gains. Becoming a multi-millionaire means a lot, but it’s never just been about the money for him.

Gukesh’s humility stands out as much as his talent. Despite holding the world title, he considers himself a perpetual learner. Even the greatest players make mistakes. Technology and analysis have advanced, but there’s so much more to discover, he remarked, adding, that the more he learns, the more he realizes how little he knows. Chess is a process of unlimited beauty.

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He recalled a pivotal moment in the finals against Ding Liren, expressing surprise at the reigning champion’s decision to settle for a draw during the second game. “I felt I could have been pushed harder after my poor first game. Instead, it turned into a comfortable draw, which gave me more room to plan my attack,” Gukesh said. Ultimately, his unwavering desire to win proved stronger than the fear of losing.

Off the board, Gukesh’s life has also seen moments of unguarded joy. A viral video capturing him dancing spontaneously after the Indian team’s Chess Olympiad victory has become a topic of gentle teasing among friends. “They say now I must dance with them,” he joked. After a year-long self-imposed dietary restriction, Gukesh looks forward to savoring some South Indian delicacies and finally indulging in a long-awaited scoop of ice cream.

With the tax waiver removing any final hurdle to enjoying his newfound fortune, Gukesh’s story stands as an inspiring testament to perseverance, humility and unbreakable support of his family.

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