In an extraordinary achievement that has captured the nation’s imagination, Anish Sarkar, a chess prodigy from Kolkata, has been awarded the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in the Sports category. Recognized as the youngest FIDE-ranked player in the world at just three years old, Anish’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Born with a remarkable ability to grasp patterns and strategies, Anish was introduced to chess as a toddler. By the time he turned three, he had already secured a FIDE (International Chess Federation) rating, making him the youngest player ever to achieve this feat — a world record that stunned the chess community.
Trained by his parents and later guided by international coaches, Anish quickly rose through the ranks. Despite his young age, he competes confidently in age-group and open tournaments, regularly defeating players much older than himself with exceptional composure and foresight.
“Chess is not just a game for him, it’s his language,” says his coach. “He reads the board like a story unfolding.”
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian award for children under 18 and is presented by the President of India. The award recognizes excellence in fields like sports, innovation, bravery, social service, and arts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anish on his achievement, calling him “a shining example of India’s rising sports talent and the incredible potential of our youth.”
Anish joins the ranks of India’s brightest chess stars and adds momentum to the nation’s growing presence on the international chess stage. He aspires to become the youngest Grandmaster in the world and continues to train rigorously.
With his intelligence, humility, and determination, Anish Sarkar is not just rewriting records — he’s redefining what’s possible at a young age. His journey is a source of inspiration for countless young minds and a proud moment for Indian sports.
