Nursery kid Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha from MP becomes India’s youngest chess record-holder at just 3

India has found its youngest chess record-holder. Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, just three years, seven months and 20 days old, has become the youngest player in world chess history to earn an official FIDE rating. The nursery student from Madhya Pradesh has also broken an Indian record that was set only last year.

The toddler edged past compatriot Anish Sarkar, who was three years, eight months and 19 days old when he achieved the same feat in November 2024.

What makes this record special

To earn an official rating from FIDE, the International Chess Federation, a player must defeat at least one FIDE-rated opponent. Sarwagya did more than that.


He defeated three FIDE-rated players in different events held across his home state and other parts of the country. These wins helped him secure his record-breaking status.

What is a FIDE rating?

A FIDE rating is a number that shows a chess player’s strength based on match performances. It is different from a world ranking and keeps changing based on wins and losses.

Sarwagya currently holds a rapid rating of 1,572, a strong number even for many adult players.

For comparison, world number one Magnus Carlsen tops rapid chess with a massive rating of 2,824.

Father reacts with pride and a big dream

Sarwagya’s achievement has brought joy to his family. His father Siddharth Singh shared his feelings with media and said, "a matter of great pride and honour".

He also revealed the long-term goal for his son, adding, "We want him to become a grandmaster."

Sarwagya’s record adds to India’s fast-rising reputation in world chess. The country has produced several global stars over the years.

India is home to the current world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and five-time World Cup winner Viswanathan Anand, who is widely regarded as a legend of the game.

(Inputs from AFP)