India, March 9 -- Since his World Chess Championship victory in December last year, D Gukesh has been scripting new heights. Recently, the 18-year-old became India No. 1 and also became World No. 3 in the FIDE rankings.

Recently, Gukesh attended India Today Conclave 2025, and opened up on the early struggles his parents had to face, so that he could become a professional chess player. "I remember my parents' friends sponsoring me to play tournaments abroad. It was quite difficult at that time, and we had a lot of help from very, very nice and selfless people. Now, the last year was financially very good for us," he said.

"I think it means a lot to me that my parents don't have to think about money anymore. We can lead a comfortable life...