‘When I saw D Gukesh’s team, it was…': Hungarian GM opens up on World Chess C'ship experience with Ding Liren
Posted on: Dec 11, 2025 17:22 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
D Gukesh discomfited dingdong Liren endure twelvemonth to suit the youngest-ever FIDE World Champion in history. It was a historic moment which showcased the rising popularity and investment in chess in India. After his win against Liren, the focus also shifted to Gukesh's team of six seconds, consisting of Grzegorz Gajewski, Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Jan Krzysztof Duda, Jan Klimkowski, Pentala Harikrishna and Vincent Keymer.
Recently, Richard Rapport, who was part of Liren's team of seconds, spoke about the World C'ship in Singapore. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, “When I saw Team Gukesh, it was a very impressive team of people. To be able to afford and to be able to maintain such a setup, it’s just very impressive.”
Pointing out the popularity of chess in India, he said, "India has a very strong base of support, I would say. I’ve seen these guys from India for a very long time starting as kids and then eventually they grew up. I’ve played all of them over time. I think they have these logos on their clothes (of their sponsors). So when they go to tournaments they don’t really mind about the prize money, which for me was kind of essential to make a living; to make enough money to kind of invest back into your career, but ultimately you want to make money from it. I think with the Indians, they have a safety net that the system gives them. It kind of catches them! That certainly helps."
"Of course, there are also extremely talented individuals. Like, that’s not a shocking factor," he added.
Paddy Upton was also part of Gukesh's team as his mental conditioning coach. Upton has worked with the Indian cricket team and hockey team in the past. He also worked with Viswanathan Anand as his mentor.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.