India’s Young Chess Stars Shine at Commonwealth Championship 2026
India’s Young Chess Stars Shine at Commonwealth Championship 2026
New Delhi [India], June 19 — India’s ascent as a global chess powerhouse is being redefined by a new wave of young talent, with three students from Upstep Academy making headlines at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 in Sri Lanka. Competing in the fiercely contested Under-8 categories, Shreyanshi Jain, Ishaan Agnihotri, and Divisha Naveen Nayakula collectively brought home four medals, showcasing the depth of emerging chess talent in the country.
The trio’s remarkable achievements included one Silver Medal and three Bronze Medals across Standard, Classical, and Blitz formats, underscoring India’s growing prowess in international chess. Their journey to the championship was marked by months of rigorous preparation, including tournament practice and game analysis, equipping them to face some of the toughest competitors from Commonwealth nations.
Shreyanshi Jain emerged as a standout performer, clinching the Silver Medal in the Under-8 Girls Standard category. Starting as the 39th seed, she defied expectations, demonstrating exceptional composure and skill to finish with 5 points, securing second place against higher-ranked players. Her performance highlighted not just her talent, but also her confidence and ability to thrive under pressure.
Ishaan Agnihotri showcased resilience by winning two Bronze Medals—one in the Under-8 Classical category and another in the Under-8 Blitz category. Despite facing early setbacks with two consecutive losses, Ishaan rallied back with determination, proving his competitive maturity and securing a podium finish in both formats.
Divisha Naveen Nayakula also made her mark by winning the Bronze Medal in the Under-8 Girls Blitz category. After a rocky start, she rebounded with an impressive five-game winning streak, gaining 63 Elo rating points and demonstrating her growth as a competitive player.
The four-medal haul is a testament to Upstep Academy’s commitment to structured online chess learning and consistent preparation. The academy emphasizes building strong fundamentals, tournament confidence, and independent thinking, ensuring that young players are well-equipped for national and international competitions.
Abhijit Hatkar, Founder and CEO of Upstep Academy, expressed pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “These medals are special because each child had a different journey to the podium. At this age, winning is not just about moves on the board; it’s about discipline, confidence, resilience, and learning how to handle pressure. These are the qualities we strive to instill at Upstep Academy.”
As Indian chess continues to flourish, particularly among younger players, the need for effective learning systems and disciplined coaching has never been more critical. The success of these young players at the Commonwealth Championship serves as a beacon of hope for the future of Indian chess, illustrating how structured early training can propel young talents onto the global stage.
With performances like these, India’s next generation of chess stars is poised to make significant strides in the international arena, further solidifying the country’s status as a formidable force in the world of chess.