Anish Sarkar: India’s Youngest Chess Prodigy
Kolkata’s Anish Sarkar Makes History
Anish Sarkar, a young chess prodigy from Kolkata, West Bengal, has etched his name in the annals of chess history. At the tender age of three years, eight months, and 19 days, he has become the youngest-rated FIDE chess player globally. This remarkable achievement underscores India’s burgeoning chess talent and the passion for the game among its youth.
A Swift Rise to Stardom
Born on January 26, 2021, Anish’s journey into the world of chess began just a year ago. His early fascination with chess videos on YouTube sparked a fire within him, leading him to pick up the game with remarkable speed.
Anish’s competitive debut came in October 2024 at the West Bengal State Under-9 Open, where he showcased his talent by defeating two rated players and securing 5.5 points out of eight rounds. This impressive performance was followed by his participation in the West Bengal State Under-13 Open, where he faced older and more experienced opponents.
FIDE Rating and Global Recognition
To earn a FIDE rating, a player must compete against at least five FIDE-rated players. Anish’s participation in the Under-13 Open fulfilled this requirement, earning him an initial FIDE rating of 1555. This achievement catapulted him to the top of the list of youngest-rated chess players globally.
Mentorship and Training
Anish is fortunate to have the guidance of Dibyendu Barua, India’s second Grandmaster, who serves as his coach. Barua, who sees echoes of former chess prodigies in Anish’s determination and focus, has been instrumental in honing the young talent’s skills.
Despite coming from a humble background, Anish’s dedication to the game is unwavering. He trains for up to eight hours a day and is inspired by world champion Magnus Carlsen. His focus and determination are evident in his approach to the game, as seen in his ability to concentrate for long hours and face seasoned players with ease.
India’s Rising Chess Power
Anish’s emergence adds to India’s growing list of chess prodigies, including R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh. These young talents have been making waves on the international stage, bringing pride to the nation. The recent success of the Indian chess team at the Chess Olympiad, where they won gold medals in both the open and women’s categories, has further fueled the country’s passion for chess.
Future Prospects
With his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, Anish has the potential to reach great heights in the world of chess. Plans are underway for him to compete in the Tata Steel Kolkata Chess tournament, where he may have the opportunity to face his idol, Magnus Carlsen.
As India continues to nurture young talent and create a supportive environment for chess, the future of Indian chess looks bright. Anish Sarkar’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and the unwavering support of mentors and family.
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Put Your Knowledge to the Test
1. Who is Anish Sarkar? Anish Sarkar is a young chess prodigy from Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
2. What is his age? As of November 2024, Anish Sarkar is three years, eight months, and 19 days old.
3. What is his recent achievement? Anish Sarkar has become the youngest-rated FIDE chess player in the world.
4. What is a FIDE rating? FIDE is the World Chess Federation. A FIDE rating is a numerical rating system used to calculate the relative strength of chess players.
5. When did Anish Sarkar start playing chess competitively? Anish Sarkar made his competitive debut in October 2024 at the West Bengal State Under-9 Open.
6. Who is Anish Sarkar’s coach? Dibyendu Barua, India’s second Grandmaster, is Anish Sarkar’s coach.
7. Who is Anish Sarkar’s idol? Anish Sarkar admires Magnus Carlsen, the current World Chess Champion.
8. What are the future plans for Anish Sarkar? There are plans for Anish Sarkar to compete in the Tata Steel Kolkata Chess tournament, where he might face Magnus Carlsen.
9. What is the significance of Anish Sarkar’s achievement? Anish Sarkar’s achievement highlights the growing popularity of chess in India and the exceptional talent emerging from the country.
10. How does Anish Sarkar’s achievement impact the future of Indian chess? Anish Sarkar’s success inspires young chess players and contributes to the positive outlook for Indian chess.
