Sarwagya, 3 Years Old: A Chess Prodigy Breaks a World Record

At just three years old, Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, from Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, has become the youngest rated chess player in history. At three years, seven months, and twenty days old, he boasts a rapid rating of 1,572, surpassing the previous record holder, Anish Sarkar from Kolkata.

Still in preschool, Sarwagya discovered chess last year at the age of two and a half. Since then, he dedicates four to five hours daily to the game: one hour at a training center in Sagar, and the rest playing online and learning tactics through videos.

According to his father, Siddharth, the child exhibited an extraordinary ability to memorize and understand from a very early age. "In just one week, he already knew all the pieces," he emphasizes. He describes his son as passionate, capable of playing for hours without losing interest.

His coach, Nitin Chaurasiya, confirms the young prodigy’s early talent. He recounts that the beginnings were challenging, as any strictness would reduce the child to tears. He then chose a gentle approach, rewarding each good move with a treat. "He responds without hesitation and is not afraid to face older opponents. His determination is evident on the chessboard," he notes.

For the chess community in Madhya Pradesh, Sarwagya's rise brings hope. Akshat Khamparia, an international master and head of the state’s ad hoc chess committee, praises him as a "source of pride" for the region. He hopes to see him become the youngest grandmaster in the world one day. He also recalls the recent successes of another Madhya Pradesh player, Madhvendra Pratap Sharma, who won double gold at the Asian and Commonwealth championships.

Source: The Indian Express

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