At simply three years, eight months, and 19 days outdated, Anish Sarkar from Kaikhali in north Kolkata has made historical past because the youngest-rated chess participant ever. Anish discovered his ardour on the planet of chess, a journey that started only a yr in the past. Born on January 26, 2021, his rise within the chess circuit is as swift as it’s spectacular.
Anish Sarkar(PTI)
Anish’s aggressive debut got here in October on the West Bengal state Underneath-9 Open, the place he scored 5.5 factors from eight rounds, defeating two rated gamers and putting twenty fourth total. His journey didn’t cease there. He quickly competed within the state Underneath-13 Open, difficult older and extra skilled opponents. This match met the FIDE requirement of enjoying 5 rated gamers, securing him an preliminary FIDE ranking of 1555.
His achievements have already earned him comparisons to India’s second Grandmaster (GM), Dibyendu Barua, who serves as his coach. “Anish definitely has potential, but he has a long way to go,” stated Barua, who sees echoes of former chess prodigies within the younger participant’s dedication and focus.
Regardless of coming from a lower-middle-class background, with mother and father who had no prior data of chess, Anish’s journey began early. His mom recounted that he confirmed curiosity in chess movies on YouTube, prompting them to get him a board. Guided by Barua on the Dhanuka Dhunseri Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy, Anish now trains as much as eight hours a day.
Anish’s focus is exceptional. Usually seen sitting atop a stack of chairs to succeed in the board, he has even confronted seasoned gamers like India’s top-ranked GM Arjun Erigaisi in simultaneous exhibition matches. He’s impressed by his idol, world champion Magnus Carlsen, and watches GothamChess on YouTube for added insights.
As India’s chess expertise continues to develop with prodigies like R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh, Anish’s emergence provides to the nation’s promising future within the sport. Plans are underway for him to compete within the Tata Metal Kolkata Chess match, the place he could meet his hero, Carlsen, for the primary time.