Three-Year-Old becomes youngest player to earn FIDE rating

December 04, 2025 / 3:00 PM

Sharjah24-AFP: India’s Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha has made history by becoming the youngest chess player ever to earn an official FIDE rating at three years, seven months, and 20 days. He surpasses the previous record held by fellow Indian player Anish Sarkar, who achieved the milestone at three years, eight months, and 19 days in 2024.

Kushwaha, a nursery student from Madhya Pradesh, now has a rapid rating of 1,572. To obtain an official rating from FIDE—the International Chess Federation—a player must defeat at least one rated opponent. Ratings differ from rankings and assess a player's performance strength over time.

Family pride and national achievement

His father, Siddharth Singh, described the achievement as “a matter of great pride and honour,” expressing hopes that his son will eventually become a grandmaster. The young prodigy secured his rating by defeating three FIDE-rated players in tournaments across Madhya Pradesh and other regions.

India’s chess legacy continues

India has established itself as a global force in chess, producing top talents including reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and five-time World Cup winner Viswanathan Anand. Kushwaha’s record adds to the country’s growing reputation as a hub for young and emerging chess talents.