In an astonishing feat that has captivated the chess world, a three-year-old boy from India has officially become the youngest player in history to earn a rating from the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, from the state of Madhya Pradesh, was precisely three years, seven months, and 20 days old when he secured his place in the record books. This remarkable achievement sees him edge out the previous record holder, his fellow Indian Anish Sarkar, by a slender margin. Sarkar was three years, eight months, and 19 days old when he reached the same milestone in November of last year.
To obtain an official FIDE rating, a player must defeat at least one opponent who already holds such a rating. Kushwaha did not just meet this requirement; he surpassed it by triumphing over three rated players in tournaments across his home state and other regions of India. His current rapid chess rating stands at an impressive 1,572.
The Making of a Prodigy
Despite his tender age and being enrolled in nursery school, Kushwaha demonstrates a formidable dedication to the game. He reportedly practises chess for four to five hours every single day, a regimen that belies his preschooler status. His father, Siddharth Singh, expressed immense pride in his son's accomplishment, telling Indian news channel ETV Bharat that it was "a matter of great pride and honour." He added, "We want him to become a grandmaster."
A FIDE rating is a numerical score that measures a player's strength based on competitive performance, distinct from a world ranking. For context, world number one Magnus Carlsen leads the rapid chess ratings with a score of 2,824.
India's Chess Powerhouse Status
This record is the latest testament to India's burgeoning status as a global chess superpower. The nation has long been a stable of grandmasters and has recently produced towering figures like the latest world champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, and the legendary five-time World Cup winner Viswanathan Anand. Kushwaha's precocious talent adds another layer to this rich narrative, suggesting the country's pipeline of chess excellence runs deeper than ever.
The story of a toddler outmanoeuvring experienced, rated adults to claim a historic record not only highlights individual genius but also underscores the growing culture and infrastructure supporting chess at the grassroots level in India. The world will be watching closely to see what moves this youngest-ever rated player makes next.
