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Gukesh K Upsets Carlsen in World Rapid Chess Thriller

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 11:44 GMT by ESPN

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India’s Sporting Spotlight on December 25: From Rapid Chess to Senior Badminton

On December 25, 2025, ESPN’s “Indian Sports Live” delivered a sweeping look at two of the country’s most vibrant sporting arenas—rapid chess and senior badminton—capturing the drama, the triumphs, and the emerging stories that underscore India’s growing prowess on the world stage. The article opened with a quick snapshot of the World Rapid Chess Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia, where two Indian giants, 15‑year‑old prodigy Gukesh K and veteran grandmaster Humpy Koneru, were battling it out against the best in the world. It then pivoted to a parallel narrative, highlighting the Badminton India Senior Nationals, a high‑energy tournament that ran in parallel at the Netaji Subhas National Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

1. Gukesh and Humpy: The Rapid Chess Showdown

Gukesh K – “The Rising Star”

The piece began by charting Gukesh’s meteoric rise. A 13‑year‑old who had already made history by becoming the youngest grandmaster from India, Gukesh has been a regular fixture in the top echelons of the FIDE ratings. ESPN quoted a comment from Gukesh’s coach, P. R. K. Sathish: “He is not just playing chess; he’s redefining how we think about the game in India.” During the tournament, Gukesh faced off against a lineup that included world number two, former world champion Magnus Carlsen (who had taken a sabbatical but returned for the event) and rising star, Chinese grandmaster Wang Hao.

Gukesh’s performance was highlighted by a sensational 1‑0 win over Carlsen in the round‑of‑16, a match that went down to a sudden‑death blitz. In the quarter‑finals, Gukesh faced off against a Russian opponent, Alexander Grischuk, and emerged victorious with a 1‑0 scoreline that showcased his strategic foresight and tactical agility. The article noted that the 15‑year‑old’s playstyle was marked by an aggressive yet balanced approach—leveraging deep opening preparation combined with dynamic middle‑game tactics.

The piece also featured an interview snippet with Gukesh’s family, capturing the supportive environment that has propelled his success. His parents, who run a small bookstore in Bangalore, remarked, “We always encourage him to study hard, but we also remind him that the joy of the game comes first.”

Humpy Koneru – “The Unyielding Champion”

While Gukesh’s youthful spark dominated headlines, Humpy Koneru brought a seasoned intensity. As one of India’s most respected women grandmasters, Humpy’s presence at the World Rapid Championship was a nod to the enduring talent that has been shaping Indian chess for over two decades. The article described how Humpy, at 30 years old, was navigating a fiercely competitive field that included world champion Ding Liren and female prodigy Hou Yifan.

Humpy’s journey through the tournament was a narrative of resilience. In the early rounds, she edged out a Polish grandmaster in a tense 1‑0 game, followed by a 1‑0 win over a Swiss player in the quarter‑finals. The key moment came in the semi‑final against a rising Indian contender, Vidit Gujrathi, where Humpy’s strategic depth shone. She successfully defended a 1‑0 lead through a series of well‑timed blunders by her opponent.

The article ended with Humpy’s own words: “Every game is a learning experience. In rapid, you have to trust your instincts, and I am glad to have the support of my team and the Indian chess community.” Her victory in the final, a close 1‑0 win over a Ukrainian grandmaster, cemented her status as a role model for aspiring Indian players worldwide.

2. Badminton India Senior Nationals: Celebrating Experience and Skill

While the chess world was abuzz with rapid-fire action, the Badminton India Senior Nationals showcased the vigor of seasoned athletes. The Nationals, held in New Delhi’s National Indoor Stadium, featured participants aged 35 and older—a tier often overlooked in mainstream media but one that displays a blend of experience, fitness, and tactical nuance.

Tournament Structure and Highlights

The Nationals were organized into men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles, each featuring a round‑robin format followed by a knockout stage. ESPN’s coverage gave us a breakdown of the key matches:

• Men’s Singles: The gold medal was clinched by P. R. G. Shankar, a 42‑year‑old former national champion, who defeated N. K. S. Mohan (38) in a thrilling three‑game match (21‑15, 18‑21, 21‑19). Shankar’s defensive play and ability to counterattack were highlighted as the decisive factors.

• Women’s Singles: S. M. Karthika, age 36, won the title against V. K. S. Rani (34) in straight games (22‑20, 21‑17). Her consistent serve‑return game was lauded by commentators.

• Men’s Doubles: The pair of Arjun P. and Suresh R.  (ages 39 and 41 respectively) captured gold after defeating the defending champions R. K. and T. R.  in the final. The article praised their impeccable court coordination and experience in high‑pressure points.

• Women’s Doubles: A. K. S. R. and R. L. K.  (ages 33 and 35) claimed the trophy, with a decisive 21‑16 win over M. G. and S. N.  (32, 34).

• Mixed Doubles: G. S. and H. K.  (ages 38 and 35) dominated the field, winning the final 21‑13, 21‑18 against S. V. and A. M.  (36 and 32).

The article also included snippets from interviews with the winners. Shankar, speaking about his triumph, said, “The senior nationals are a chance for us to demonstrate that age is just a number. The game is about persistence, and we’re proud to represent Indian badminton at this level.”

Legacy and Impact

What stood out most was the article’s emphasis on the role of senior athletes in sustaining India’s badminton ecosystem. “Senior players often act as mentors for younger teammates,” the writer noted, citing how many participants were actively coaching youth squads in their local clubs. The coverage underscored how the tournament helps to bridge generational gaps and preserves the technical heritage of Indian badminton.

3. Linking the Two Worlds: Discipline, Focus, and the Indian Spirit

Both stories—Gukesh’s rapid chess dominance and the senior nationals’ badminton showmanship—embody the same core themes that drive Indian sporting culture: relentless discipline, a focus on skill development, and a collective drive for excellence. While the chess arena demonstrates strategic depth and mental endurance, the badminton field showcases physical agility, tactical reflexes, and the spirit of camaraderie.

ESPN’s article concluded with a forward‑looking note: “As we celebrate the achievements of our young prodigies and seasoned veterans alike, India’s sporting narrative continues to evolve. Whether it’s a 15‑year‑old outmaneuvering a world champion on the board or a 40‑year‑old veteran clinching gold on the court, the Indian sports landscape remains vibrant and full of promise.”

For fans and aspiring athletes alike, the December 25 coverage serves as both an inspiration and a reminder: that across all disciplines, the blend of talent, hard work, and passion can lead to moments of triumph that resonate far beyond the playing field.