Watch: Kathak Dancers Recreate D Gukesh's Winning Chess Moves

The internet is celebrating the youngest World Champion, Gukesh D. At just 18 years old, Gukesh achieved the remarkable feat of defeating the defending champion, Ding Liren, to claim the prestigious World Chess Championship title.

One creative homage stood out among the many tributes pouring in for the young chess prodigy. Two women, dressed in traditional Kathak attire resembling the colours of chess pieces, recreated Gukesh’s winning chess moves from his match against Ding Liren.

This elegant dance tribute has captured the hearts of netizens. The live enactment of the chess moves, combined with the dancers' expressive gestures, took viewers into the intense battleground of chess.

The clip features dancers Anushka Chandak and Maitreyee Nirgun. Chandak is seen wearing white attire representing Ding Liren's chess moves, while Nirgun wears dark brown attire representing Gukesh's winning chess moves. 

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A post shared by Anushka Chandak | Dance (@anushkachandak)

How Netizens Reacted To The Viral Video

With over 50,000 likes on Instagram, this viral reel is earning widespread praise for its unique concept and impactful choreography.

One netizen commented, "Whoa!! What a concept!! What a choreography!"

Another user admired the iconic recreation of Gukesh’s signature pose, saying, "Woooow! What a wonderful and artistic depiction of the game! I loved the last part with the girl in black—that was Gukesh's signature pose."

A third comment highlighted the thoughtful inclusion of Kathak as a tribute: "When they say Kathak is about storytelling, this is what it means! This is the ultimate salute to the world chess champion." 

Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has risen to the pinnacle of chess mastery with his groundbreaking achievements. The 18-year-old Indian prodigy scripted history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in Singapore on December 12, 2024. The son of an ENT surgeon father and a microbiologist mother, Gukesh’s hard work and unwavering dedication to chess have etched his name in the annals of Indian chess history.