Vaidehi Bhargava
Three-year-old Anish Sarkar from Kolkata has recently become the world’s youngest chess player to achieve an official FIDE rating, surpassing the previous record held by a five-year-old. Born on January 26, 2021, Anish developed a fascination with chess from a young age. His parents, from a lower-middle-class background with little knowledge of chess, initially introduced him to educational videos on YouTube. However, Anish’s natural curiosity led him to gravitate towards chess content, particularly videos from influencers like GothamChess and games by his idol, Magnus Carlsen. Recognizing his growing interest, his mother purchased a chessboard for him to play with, setting him on a remarkable journey at an age when most children are just beginning to explore toys.
Anish’s first competitive experience was in October 2024 at the West Bengal state Under-9 Open, where he impressed with 5.5 out of 8 points, even defeating two rated players. Soon after, he competed in the state Under-13 Open and met the requirement of facing five rated players, ultimately earning a rating of 1555. His accomplishments have drawn attention from chess enthusiasts, and Anish now trains for up to eight hours daily under the guidance of Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua. Barua sees immense potential in him, though he emphasizes the long journey Anish still has ahead.
Despite his rapid progress, Anish’s family is determined to keep a low profile. His mother, who holds a master’s degree, has chosen to stay home to fully support his development, stating that their primary wish is for him to enjoy the game without pressure. They hope to reveal their identities more openly if Anish achieves a grandmaster title someday. For now, they focus on encouraging his passion quietly while helping him make his mark as India’s youngest chess prodigy.