Checkmate in style: Kathak dancers perform D Gukesh’s final chess board moves; the Internet loves the concept

Dressed in symbolic attire—Chandak in white and Nirgun in chocolate brown, representing the chessboard’s two opposing sides—the duo performed a dynamic routine that captured the intense energy and brilliance of the game. Every movement and rhythm mirrored the calculated moves and sharp counterplays of the championship match.

Sharing their pride for Gukesh, the dancers wrote, “We are so so proud of you @gukesh.official,” in the caption accompanying the viral clip.

Watch the video:

 

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A post shared by Anushka Chandak | Dance (@anushkachandak)

The video has racked up close to a million views in just a few hours and netizens are loving this unique performance.

One user commented, “When they say kathak is about storytelling, this is what it means!” Another person wrote, “This is the ultimate salute to the world chess champion.”

A third individual said, “We got chessnatyam before GTA 6.” A fourth user wrote, “this is what I pay my bills for.’

D Gukesh is now the second world champion from India after Viswanathan Anand.