Three-year-old Indian chess prodigy becomes youngest player to earn an official FIDE rating

A three-year-old Indian boy has become the youngest player in chess history to earn an official rating from FIDE, the International Chess Federation.

Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha achieved the milestone at the age of three years, seven months, and 20 days, securing a record that highlights India’s growing presence in world chess.

Kushwaha surpassed the previous record held by another Indian child, Anish Sarkar, who earned his rating in November last year at three years, eight months, and 19 days.

The achievement strengthens India’s position as a rising powerhouse in nurturing young chess talent.

Currently enrolled in nursery school in Madhya Pradesh, Kushwaha holds a rapid rating of 1572. To obtain a FIDE rating, a player must defeat at least one FIDE-rated opponent. The young prodigy went beyond the minimum requirement by defeating three rated players in tournaments held across Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country.

A FIDE rating reflects a player’s playing strength based on performance in recognised events. It differs from a ranking, which is a player’s position relative to others. For context, world number one Magnus Carlsen tops the rapid chess list with a rating of 2824.

Kushwaha reportedly trains for up to five hours a day, a remarkable routine for a child of his age. His family expressed immense pride following the announcement.

His father, Siddharth Singh, told ETV Bharat that it was a matter of great pride and honour for them that their son had become the youngest chess player in the world to achieve a FIDE ranking. He added that they wanted him to become a grandmaster.