Kolkata: At just three years, eight months and 19 days, the kid from Kaikhali in north Kolkata on Friday became the youngest rated chess player in history.
City kid Anish Sarkar entered the record books by becoming the youngest chess player. Young Anish Sarkar found his fascination in the quiet strategy of chess pieces, sparking a journey few could fathom.
Born on January 26, 2021, Anish made his debut in competitive chess with the West Bengal state Under-9 Open in October, securing an impressive 5.5 out of 8 points and finishing 24th overall defeating two rated players- Arav Chatterjee and Ahilaan Baishya.
Fortunate playing with India No.1
Next he tested his skills in the Bengal State Under-13 Open meet, where he faced the required number of five more rated players that earned him the ratings on Oct 15 after his fourth-round game.
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He was also fortunate to get an opportunity to play against India No.1 and World No.4 Arjun Erigaisi in a simultaneous exhibition match during the Bengal Rapid Rating Open.
Takes training in Dibyendu Barua's academy
In doing so, he surpassed the previous record set by Tejas Tiwari, who had become the youngest FIDE-rated player at five years, India’s second GM and his coach Dibyendu Barua said.
“He reminds me of Mitrabha Guha (who became GM at 20 years). Anish definitely has potential but he has a long, long way to go,” Barua, the director of Dhanuka Dhunseri Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy.
Historic double-gold victory
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Anish’s emergence comes as India witnesses an exciting era in chess, with young talents like Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and D Gukesh shines internationally.
These prodigies have shattered records, inspired fans worldwide, and recently, India celebrated a historic double-gold victory at the Chess Olympiad in both the open and women’s categories.
Their success has not only put India on the global chess map but has sparked a nationwide interest in nurturing young talents like Anish.
