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 Jan 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?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II

Answer: B

Explanation

Statement I is incorrect. D. Gukesh Dommaraju became the world’s youngest chess champion in December 2024 by defeating Ding Liren of China in the World Chess Championship, not in the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad. The 45th Chess Olympiad saw the Indian contingent win gold in both open and women’s categories. Statement II is correct. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record for becoming the world’s youngest-ever Grandmaster. He achieved this title in July 2021 at the age of 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days, surpassing Sergey Karjakin’s long-standing record. Therefore, only statement II is correct. Significant achievements in sports, especially those with international recognition and records, are relevant for UPSC Current Affairs and Art & Culture.