Q. Consider the following statements :
I. In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the world’s youngest winner after defeating the Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi.
II. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record of becoming world’s youngest ever Grandmaster.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
Correct Answer : (b) II only
UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper's Solution
Explanation :
Statement I is incorrect.
- The 45th Chess Olympiad (September 10-23, 2024, Budapest) is a team event, not an individual championship.
- Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion by defeating Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship 2024 (November 25 – December 12, Singapore) at age 18.
- Gukesh defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi in the Candidates Tournament 2024, which determines the challenger for the World Championship, not the Olympiad final.
Statement II is correct.
- Abhimanyu Mishra, an American from New Jersey, became the world’s youngest Grandmaster on June 30, 2021, at 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days, breaking Sergey Karjakin’s record.
Correct Answer : (b) II only
