Gukesh Visits Neem Karoli Baba Before World Chess Championship
Indian chess champion D. Gukesh visited Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram on Wednesday ahead of his upcoming FIDE World Chess Championship 2026 match against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov. The visit comes as Gukesh prepares to defend his world championship title. He reportedly visited the ashram to seek blessings and spend some time focusing on his mental preparation before the important competition.
Gukesh made history in 2024 when he defeated China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18. His victory brought him international recognition and made him one of the most closely followed young players in the chess world. Now, he faces another major challenge as he prepares to defend the title against Sindarov.
Chess is a game that requires more than technical knowledge and strong playing skills. Players must also remain calm, manage pressure and make important decisions during difficult situations. Understanding the importance of mental strength, Gukesh has worked with renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton. Their work together helped him prepare mentally before his historic championship victory in 2024.
The upcoming championship is expected to be a special event in chess history. Both Gukesh and Sindarov will be 20 years old when the match begins, making it the youngest World Chess Championship match between two players in terms of age. Their contest is expected to attract attention from chess fans around the world.
Although Gukesh has the experience of being a world champion, Sindarov is also considered a strong competitor. His consistent performances in the Candidates Tournament and unbeaten record in 2026 have increased expectations around his chances. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has also praised Sindarov, describing him as a well-rounded player without any obvious weaknesses.
According to the announced schedule, the championship will take place in Geneva from November 25 to December 15, 2026. The players are expected to arrive in the city on November 20. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for November 22, followed by a technical meeting on November 23. Game 1 is listed for November 24.
As the championship approaches, Gukesh is focusing on both his chess preparation and mental strength. His visit to Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram reflects the personal approach he is taking before facing one of the biggest challenges of his career. Chess fans will be watching closely to see whether the young Indian champion can successfully defend his world title against Sindarov.