Vedant Panesar: The Rising Star of Indian Chess

21-year-old Vedant Panesar from Andheri, Mumbai, made headlines earlier this month when he topped the Qualifiers at Wijk aan Zee, earning himself a spot in next year’s Challengers. Panesar, with an Elo rating of 2446, has chosen not to apply for an International Master (IM) title, despite picking up over a dozen IM norms along the way.

In an interview with HT, Panesar revealed his decision to forgo the IM title, stating, “I want to be detached from results and focusing solely on my growth and process. An IM title might open up doors and help with tournaments, but I was ready to give it up.”

Panesar finished unbeaten and half a point ahead of the field in Wijk aan Zee, describing the experience as unlike anything he had seen before. He shared that the small village was completely immersed in chess, with every cafe and place he visited dedicated to the game.

With a full-time coach in Hungarian Grandmaster Krisztian Szabo, Panesar credits his training camp with friends for his success, emphasizing the importance of learning and growing together with peers. He took up chess in a random fashion at the age of nine or ten and has since set his sights on achieving a Grandmaster (GM) title.

Supported by sponsor Old Bridge Capital, Panesar is able to focus on his attacking style of play without financial constraints. Inspired by India’s top young players, Panesar is determined to reach the GM title this year and continues to engage with his social media community through short-form content about his chess journey.

Panesar’s unique approach to chess and dedication to his craft have set him apart in the competitive world of chess, making him a rising star to watch in the future.