Young Chess Prodigy Anish Sarkar: The Journey of India’s Youngest Rated Player
At just three years, eight months, and 19 days old, Anish Sarkar from Kaikhali in north Kolkata has made history by becoming the youngest rated chess player ever. Born on January 26, 2021, Anish’s journey into the world of competitive chess began just a year ago when he was introduced to the game through YouTube videos.
Despite his young age, Anish has already participated in several chess tournaments, including the West Bengal state Under-9 Open and Under-13 Open, where he faced older and more experienced players. His impressive performance in these events earned him an initial FIDE rating of 1555, surpassing the previous record set by Tejas Tiwari.
Anish’s coach, Dibyendu Barua, director of Dhanuka Dhunseri Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy, sees great potential in the young prodigy. He compared Anish to Mitrabha Guha, a Grandmaster who achieved the title at 20 years old, and believes that Anish has a long way to go in his chess career.
Anish’s parents, who come from a lower-middle-class background, have been supportive of his passion for chess. His mother, who holds a master’s degree but chose to be a housewife to support her son, revealed that Anish’s interest in chess developed quickly, and he would spend hours watching chess videos online.
Despite his young age, Anish’s dedication and focus on the game have impressed many, including his coach. Barua mentioned that Anish trains for seven to eight hours a day and has shown remarkable concentration during his games.
As Anish continues to make waves in the world of chess, his family remains humble and supportive, preferring to stay out of the limelight and let their son’s achievements speak for themselves. Anish’s mother shared that they are happy to support him quietly from behind and are excited to see where his passion for chess will take him in the future.
Anish’s idol is Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World Chess Champion, and he aspires to follow in his footsteps. With his talent, dedication, and supportive family behind him, Anish Sarkar is set to make a mark in the world of chess and inspire young talents across India.