Bengal's Anish Sarkar achieves FIDE rating at just 3 years old

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Anish Sarkar has made history by becoming the youngest-ever FIDE-rated chess player, achieving an impressive Elo rating of 1555 at just three years, eight months, and 19 days old. His remarkable journey began at the 1st All Bengal Rapid Rating Open 2024, where he showcased his talent by scoring 5 points from 11 games. Shortly after, Anish had the incredible opportunity to compete against Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, India's top player and the world-ranked No. 4, during a rapid rating tournament. Although he initially did not qualify, a last-minute opening allowed him to step in as a substitute, providing him with invaluable exposure to high-level competition.

Anish's match against Erigaisi ignited his passion for chess and motivated him to pursue his first official rating. He continued to demonstrate his skills at the West Bengal State Under-9 Open Rating 2024, where he achieved an impressive score of 5.5 out of 8, placing 24th among 140 participants. Notably, he defeated two rated players in the final rounds, a significant accomplishment for someone of his young age and limited experience in competitive chess.

To meet the official requirements for his FIDE rating, Anish actively participated in various rated tournaments, culminating in his efforts at the West Bengal State Under-13 Open Rating 2024. His dedication and perseverance have set a remarkable precedent in the chess community, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. With each tournament, Anish continues to build on his skills and make a name for himself in the chess world, inspiring others with his extraordinary talent and determination.