Bindra: Gukesh's Dip in Form a Normal Phase for Athletes

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World Champion D Gukesh has been struggling with inconsistent form in 2025, following his historic win as the youngest-ever World Champion in December last year. Despite some notable victories, including a win against Magnus Carlsen and a second-place finish at the Tata Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Gukesh's recent defeat to Frederik Svane in Goa has raised questions about his ability to defend his title next year. Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has weighed in on Gukesh's performance, saying that dips in form are a normal part of an athlete's journey. "It's not uncommon for athletes to experience motivation loss or a quiet period after achieving massive success," Bindra explained. "Gukesh has reached the pinnacle of his sport and now needs to focus on rebuilding his foundation and addressing any gaps in his game. According to Bindra, athletes often try to jump to the next peak without taking the time to recharge and refocus. "You can't simply jump to the next peak," he said. "You need to take the time to plug the gaps and work on your foundation before you can start thinking about your next goal." Bindra emphasized that it's essential for Gukesh to find joy in his sport and continue to put in the right effort to overcome his current struggles. As Bindra pointed out, the reality of sports is that yesterday's performance doesn't count, and athletes must constantly prove themselves. "You are only as good as what you are on that particular day," he said. "But as long as Gukesh continues to find joy in his sport and puts in the right effort, he will be back on track. It's a normal cycle that athletes face, and with the right mindset and approach, Gukesh can overcome his current challenges and remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.