From Dream to Reality: Anvi Hinge Becomes the Youngest Women’s Candidates Master

Nine-Year-Old Anvi Hinge Becomes World’s Youngest Women’s Candidates Master

Pune, India – In a remarkable turn of events, nine-year-old Anvi Hinge has achieved what many thought was impossible: she has become the world’s youngest Women’s Candidates Master (WCM). This extraordinary feat was accomplished during a recent trip to Alicante, Spain, where Anvi showcased her prodigious talent in chess, defying expectations and shattering records.

When Deepak Hinge, Anvi’s father, boarded the flight to Spain with his daughter, he held onto a dream that seemed distant. With Anvi’s Elo rating hovering around the early 1600s—nearly 200 points shy of the WCM threshold—Deepak approached the tournament with cautious optimism. He was proud of Anvi’s progress but believed that the coveted title was still a few years away.

However, over the course of nine days, Anvi transformed uncertainty into triumph. Competing against seasoned players, she recorded six wins and amassed 6.5 points from nine rounds, earning an impressive 175 rating points that propelled her past the 1800 mark. Not only did she finish joint-fourth overall, but she also emerged as the highest-rated Indian at the event and clinched the championship in the women’s category.

Anvi’s victory made her the youngest WCM in history, and she now holds the title of world number one in the FIDE Under-9 girls’ category. Remarkably, she achieved this milestone before even turning ten.

A Rising Star

Anvi’s chess journey began at the Tactical Moves Chess Academy in Pune, inspired by her older brother, Aarush. Her father, a software engineer, introduced her to the game, and by the age of four and a half, she was enrolled in a local academy. Under the guidance of esteemed trainers, including Grandmaster Praveen Thipsay and FIDE Master Siddhant Gaikwad, Anvi’s skills flourished.

Deepak credits the Chola Chess Academy, founded by Dronacharya Awardee RB Ramesh, for providing Anvi with invaluable coaching and mentorship. The academy offers free training to promising chess talents, and Anvi has benefited from a scholarship that allows her to train with top coaches four times a week.

Inspiration from the Greats

A pivotal moment in Anvi’s journey occurred during a visit to the Global Chess League in Mumbai, where she met renowned players like Gukesh D and Viswanathan Anand. Deepak recalls how Anvi was inspired by their humility and approachability, igniting a passion within her to emulate their success.

“After meeting these players, she expressed a desire to become like them,” Deepak shared. “The atmosphere and their kindness left a lasting impression on her.”

A Supportive Family

While Deepak and his wife see themselves as facilitators of Anvi’s chess journey, his role extends far beyond that. Every night, he reads to Anvi, sharing stories of historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji and Bajirao Peshwa. This bedtime routine not only enriches her knowledge of culture and history but also instills values that Deepak hopes will guide her through life’s challenges.

As Anvi continues to break barriers and set new records, her journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication, family support, and the pursuit of dreams. With her sights set on the future, the chess world eagerly anticipates what this young prodigy will achieve next.