Anish Sarkar, a three-year-old from Kolkata, India, recently made headlines as the world’s youngest FIDE-rated chess player. His extraordinary story of curiosity and talent captured the attention of chess enthusiasts and parents alike, shedding light on the power of early encouragement and structured guidance in nurturing young minds. At Summit School of Chess, we celebrate Anish’s achievements and the example his story sets for young players everywhere.
An Unlikely Start: The Birth of a Chess Prodigy
Anish’s journey began when he was just a toddler, absorbing chess moves and strategies with ease. His family, noticing his innate interest, provided him with the space to explore his curiosity. Watching YouTube channels like Gotham Chess, Anish developed a fascination with the game’s tactics and quickly grasped its rules. His favorite chant, “Sacrifice the Roooook!” became his battle cry, driving his love for chess further and showcasing the impressive capabilities of young minds.
Learning Through Play
Anish’s mother shared how he first displayed his skills on a train ride back from Agra, where he spontaneously challenged and ultimately outplayed an older child. By observing, experimenting, and learning in informal settings, Anish displayed how much children can absorb when they’re allowed to engage at their own pace. At Summit School of Chess, we believe this approach is fundamental for young minds, blending structure with the joy of discovery.
Early Training and the Power of Mentorship
In March of this year, Anish joined the Dhanuka Dhunseri Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy in Kolkata. With the guidance of Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, Anish developed his skills in a supportive environment, eventually debuting at a state Under-9 tournament and competing against much older players, further proving the potential of young minds in competitive sports.
The Importance of a Low-Pressure Approach
Barua and Anish’s family emphasize that they avoid putting pressure on ratings or expectations, focusing instead on nurturing his natural curiosity and joy for the game. Barua explains that his guidance centers on allowing Anish to explore and develop freely, noting that talent must be supported without creating undue stress. This philosophy is essential in supporting young minds, as we also champion at Summit School of Chess.
Modern Chess Education: Learning in the Digital Age
Anish’s story highlights the value of modern resources in learning chess. Platforms like YouTube allow young minds to access quality instruction and foster an early connection to the game. Gotham Chess, hosted by Levy Rozman, became one of Anish’s key resources, engaging him with entertaining and educational content tailored to younger audiences.
Chess for All Ages: The Right Time to Start
At Summit School of Chess, we believe there is no single “right age” to start learning chess. As Anish shows, the best time is when interest is sparked. Children can begin learning at three, five, or even fifteen, so long as they have a supportive environment that prioritizes curiosity, resilience, and the joy of play in young minds.
Finding Balance: Supporting Young Prodigies Without Pressure
Stories of chess prodigies like Anish emphasize the importance of keeping the experience positive and low-stress. Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh and GM Pravin Thipsay both echo Barua’s sentiment, advocating that young players should engage in chess at their own pace, without being tied to competitive pressure. Anish’s family shares this perspective, allowing him the freedom to explore his talent and choose his own path, nurturing young minds.
At Summit School of Chess, we support young talents by focusing on learning as an enjoyable journey, not merely a race for ratings. Our program prioritizes growth, creativity, and social connections over high-stakes results to help young minds thrive.
Conclusion: An Inspiration for Future Generations
Anish Sarkar’s story is a reminder of the incredible potential within every child. His early achievements illustrate the value of encouragement, a balanced approach to learning, and the modern resources available to young chess players today. At Summit School of Chess, we congratulate Anish, his family, and his coach for this inspiring milestone. We look forward to watching his journey unfold and hope to see many more young minds find joy in the game of chess.
Anish’s journey is just beginning, and his story serves as an example of what can be achieved with a supportive environment, a little structure, and a lot of heart. This story is truly a testament to the potential of young minds.
Link to the original article on Indian Times
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