Where the mind is without fear

In chess, as in life, the head is usually bowed. The players in question are in intense concentration and focused entirely on the 64 squares, even if they tend to take a short stroll in the vicinity while the opponent is mulling his move.

- Vivek Atray

Fear, or the lack thereof, is often the key clincher or the reason for a downfall, when the stakes are high and when the opposition is formidable. Yet, Gukesh Dommaraju, the new world champion, the youngest ever, found the gumption and the verve to conquer nervousness, worry, even perhaps trepidation, and finally held his head high in glorious triumph.

His opponent Ding Liren showed little emotion at the earth-shaking upset even though his figurative apple cart was rattled and ultimately shattered. Gukesh displayed just a wee bit of it, unlike football players who exult unabashedly at having vanquished a major opponent. But the real import of this dreamy triumphant campaign, one that initially saw Gukesh win the challengers round to win the right to battle and ultimately topple the main man, will be understood only in the years to come.