Indian Chess shines again as rising prodigy delivers new milestone

Indian chess continues to carve out its global dominance, and this week, the sport celebrated yet another landmark moment. A new prodigy, Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, has officially written his name into chess history, reinforcing India’s fast-growing reputation as a powerhouse of young talent.

A record that redefines early brilliance

At just three years, seven months, and 20 days, Kushwaha has become the youngest player ever to earn an official FIDE rating, surpassing the previous record held by fellow Indian youngster Anish Sarkar. Sarkar achieved the milestone in November 2024 at three years, eight months, and 19 days. The new record not only highlights India’s deep pool of emerging talent but also showcases the increasing participation of children in competitive chess at remarkably young ages.

Currently enrolled in nursery school in Madhya Pradesh, Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha holds a rapid rating of 1,572, a remarkable starting point for any beginner—let alone a toddler. Earning a rating from FIDE, the global governing body of chess, requires defeating at least one rated player, and the young star managed to surpass that benchmark in style.

His father, Siddharth Singh, expressed immense joy at his son's historic accomplishment, telling ETV Bharat:

“It’s a matter of great pride and honour for us that our son has become the youngest chess player in the world to achieve a FIDE ranking.” He further added their long-term hope for the child’s future, saying, “We want him to become a grandmaster.”

A breakthrough marked by real competition

Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha didn’t reach this milestone through staged appearances or isolated events. He earned his rating by defeating three FIDE-rated players across multiple tournaments in Madhya Pradesh and beyond. His results reflect not just raw talent but also the ability to perform under real competitive pressure—something rare for a child barely out of toddlerhood.

A FIDE rating, unlike a ranking, measures a player's strength based purely on performance. For context, Magnus Carlsen currently leads the world in rapid chess with a rating of 2,824, the highest among active players. While Kushwaha’s journey has only begun, his debut number positions him well above many older beginners, signaling enormous potential.