In a proud moment for India, 10-year-old chess prodigy Nara Devaansh, son of Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh, was honored at a prestigious ceremony in London for a remarkable world record. Devaansh received the World Book of Records Award 2025 at Westminster Hall, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.
The young chess master was recognized for setting the world record for being the “Fastest Checkmate Solver – 175 Puzzles.” Devaansh achieved this feat during a “Checkmate Marathon” last year, where he solved 175 progressively challenging checkmate puzzles from the renowned compilation “5334 Problems, Combinations, and Games” by Hungarian chess master László Polgár. The challenge tested his memory, speed, and ability to make decisions under pressure.
This is not Devaansh’s first entry into the record books. He also holds two other world records:
- Completing the 7-disc Tower of Hanoi puzzle in just 1 minute and 43 seconds.
- Correctly arranging nine chessboards with all 32 pieces in 5 minutes.
His parents, Nara Lokesh and Nara Brahmani, were present at the ceremony to witness their son’s achievement. Lokesh expressed his immense pride, stating that his son’s ability to “think ahead, stay calm under pressure, and devote himself so wholeheartedly to the game at the age of just ten years makes this achievement even more special.”
The recognition of Devaansh at a global platform like Westminster Hall is seen as a significant milestone for India’s rising presence in the world of youth chess. His grandfather and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, also congratulated him on the achievement, calling it a “proud moment for the family and for India’s chess legacy.”
