The win has significantly altered the leaderboard at Norway Chess 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers on Monday lauded reigning World Champion D Gukesh for his remarkable victory over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2025 tournament.
Gukesh, 19, stunned the chess world by defeating Carlsen in a gripping encounter that saw the Indian grandmaster claw back from a seemingly losing position. The dramatic turnaround marked Gukesh’s first-ever classical win over the Norwegian legend and former world number one.
Prime Minister Modi praised Gukesh’s performance, writing on X, “An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead.”
The win also made Gukesh only the second Indian player, after grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, to beat Carlsen in the tournament’s history.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri hailed Gukesh’s tactical brilliance and composure. “In one of the most spectacular comebacks, India’s @DGukesh plots his way to his first classical win against World No.1 Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament in Stavanger! The epic comeback shocked his opponent and has established the dominance of India’s youth in whichever sports they choose. Heartiest congratulations, Gukesh. We are all proud of you!” he posted on X.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said in an X post, “Well done @DGukesh! This first win over Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025 is the beginning of achieving another milestone. Proud of you, Gukesh! You’ve shown the world what quiet confidence & fierce focus can achieve!”
What happened during the play?
Carlsen had dominated much of the match, pressing with a slight advantage. However, in a surprising shift late in the game, Gukesh capitalised on an error and secured a dramatic win. The result has significantly altered the leaderboard. With 8.5 points, Gukesh has moved up to third place, trailing Carlsen and American GM Fabiano Caruana by just one point.
This win is particularly significant considering Gukesh lost to Carlsen in Round 1 on May 27 in their first classical face-off since the Indian prodigy became World Champion. That match had marked Carlsen’s return to individual classical chess after nearly a year.
