India’s Sarwagya Kushwaha Creates History As Youngest FIDE-Rated Chess Player

Updated: December 04, 2025 14:41

Image Source : The Indian Express

At just 3 years, 7 months, and 20 days, Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh has become the youngest player in chess history to earn an official FIDE rating. His achievement surpasses the previous record held by Anish Sarkar of West Bengal, marking a new milestone for Indian chess.

India’s chess fraternity celebrated a remarkable achievement this week as Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, a three-year-old prodigy from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, etched his name into the record books. Officially recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Kushwaha has become the youngest player ever to earn a rating, doing so at the age of 3 years, 7 months, and 20 days.

The achievement is particularly significant because FIDE ratings are awarded only after a player defeats internationally rated opponents. Kushwaha not only met this requirement but exceeded it, defeating three such players in recent competitions. His rapid rating currently stands at 1,572, a figure that reflects his early promise and potential for future growth.

Key highlights from the announcement include

Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha became the youngest FIDE-rated player at 3 years, 7 months, and 20 days.
He hails from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh and is currently enrolled in nursery school.
Kushwaha defeated three internationally rated players to secure his rating.
His rapid rating has been recorded at 1,572 in the latest FIDE list.
The record was previously held by Anish Sarkar of West Bengal, who achieved the feat at 3 years, 8 months, and 19 days.
Kushwaha trains under coach Nitin Chaurasia and national instructor Akash Pyaasi, with strong support from his parents.
His father expressed pride, stating their dream is for him to become a grandmaster.

This achievement underscores India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena, where young talents continue to emerge at unprecedented ages. Kushwaha’s feat not only inspires aspiring players but also highlights the importance of early training, parental support, and structured coaching in nurturing prodigies.

With India already producing world-class players like Viswanathan Anand, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Gukesh Dommaraju, Kushwaha’s entry into the record books adds another bright star to the nation’s chess legacy.

Sources: Rediff, News18, Firstpost, Sportstar (The Hindu), Channel News Asia, Khel Now

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