In a remarkable turn of events, three-year-old Anish Sarkar from Kolkata has captured the world’s attention by becoming the youngest chess player to achieve a FIDE ranking. Anish’s journey from a casual chess interest to competitive prowess in such a short time has fascinated the chess community and stirred a wave of media attention around his story.

Anish, just three years old, requires a unique setup at the chessboard to compete effectively at the prestigious Dhanuka Dhunseri Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy. To reach the board, he sits on a stack of three chairs, sometimes balancing on all fours, showing the sheer dedication he has for the game. This miniature grandmaster-in-the-making has a surprising command over chess fundamentals and strategy, far beyond his years.

Early Inspiration and Chess Beginnings

The young prodigy’s journey began in an unexpected way. During the 2023 Tata Steel India Chess Tournament held in Kolkata, teenage chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa stole the show, igniting excitement in fans and players alike. Anish’s maternal uncle, captivated by the event, gifted him a chessboard during Durga Puja. Little did he know this gesture would unlock a natural talent for the game in Anish, who quickly grasped the rules with the help of instructional videos on YouTube.

“He was fascinated by chess from day one,” says Anish’s mother, who prefers to remain unnamed for privacy. “Once he learned the basics, he wanted to watch chess videos all the time, especially one hosted by Levy Rozman on the popular YouTube channel, Gotham Chess.”

The energetic delivery and humor of Rozman, along with his famous catchphrase “Sacrifice the roooook,” became a favorite of Anish, who would eagerly repeat the chant at home. These videos turned out to be a launchpad for his interest in chess, leading him to ask more questions and improve his understanding of the game.

Early Competitive Success

Anish’s family soon realized his keen interest and incredible aptitude, especially during a family train trip from Agra, where he began challenging older children to chess games. “There was a slightly older child playing chess on the train, and by the end of our journey, Anish was winning,” his mother recalls with a smile.

Recognizing his potential, Anish’s family enrolled him in the Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy in March 2024. In his very first competitive outing at the state Under-9 tournament, Anish scored an impressive 5.5 out of 8 points, ranking 24th overall. The tournament saw him defeat two rated players, further affirming his exceptional talent. With this early success, his interest and skill rapidly grew, and he soon participated in the Under-13 state event, achieving a provisional FIDE rating of 1555.

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The Role of His Mentor, Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua

Anish’s coach, Indian Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, quickly took note of the boy’s exceptional memory and sharp analytical abilities. “He would solve chess problems that we gave him with ease and even started challenging us with his own puzzles,” says Barua. The young player’s knowledge of chess strategies was clearly beyond the level typically expected of a beginner, let alone a three-year-old.

Barua has carefully advised Anish’s family to keep things in perspective, recommending they avoid focusing too much on his FIDE rating. “For children, the pressure to maintain ratings can sometimes become a burden, which can diminish their love for the game,” he notes. To support this mindset, Barua counsels both his students and their parents, encouraging a balanced approach to competitive chess.

Chess Community’s Reactions

In the broader chess community, Anish’s achievement has sparked both excitement and amazement. Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay shared his surprise, noting, “The human brain’s capacity, especially in children, is astounding. Ideally, children should take up chess around the age of six, but what Anish has achieved shows the endless possibilities of early learning.”

Renowned coach R.B. Ramesh, who has trained Indian stars like Praggnanandhaa, has similarly commented on the ideal starting age for young chess learners, stating that between four and six years is often best. Nonetheless, Anish’s extraordinary progress defies conventional expectations, showing that sometimes, prodigies emerge in the unlikeliest of ways.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While Anish’s journey is undoubtedly impressive, his mother is cautious about placing expectations on his young shoulders. “If he decides one day that he doesn’t want to play chess anymore, that will be his decision,” she explains. The family’s grounded approach is clear, as they are determined to let Anish’s future in chess evolve naturally without imposing pressure.

Grandmaster Barua, too, is mindful of the challenges and complexities that come with nurturing prodigious talent. He has ensured that Anish’s training remains enjoyable and emphasizes skill development over competition. “It’s essential that he continues to love the game without the weight of ranking goals,” he adds.

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A Glimpse into the Future

As the youngest FIDE-ranked player, Anish Sarkar’s story has resonated widely. At just three years old, he stands at the beginning of what could be a remarkable journey in chess. Anish has already achieved what many only dream of, but his family and coach are committed to ensuring his development remains joyful and free from undue expectations. In a sport where early success can often lead to burnout, Anish’s support system is focused on keeping him grounded and fostering a lifelong love for chess.

Anish’s journey underscores the boundless potential of young minds when nurtured with patience and positivity. With mentors like Dibyendu Barua guiding him, and with a family that prioritizes his happiness over accolades, Anish’s journey in chess is off to a promising start.