In a remarkable moment for Indian chess, 8-year-old Anaya Sharma from Telangana has carved her name into the history books by winning the Commonwealth U-08 Girls Gold Medal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With this extraordinary achievement, Anaya has become the first girl from Telangana to win a Commonwealth Chess Championship title.
A Class IV student from Hyderabad and a prodigy with a 1600+ international rating, Anaya delivered a performance that stunned the global chess community. Competing at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025, she secured 8 points out of 9 rounds, including a spectacular run of seven consecutive victories at the start of the tournament. Her sharp tactical play, calm composure, and strategic brilliance set her far ahead of her international rivals.
Representing Maestro Chess Academy, Anaya received immense appreciation from tournament officials, coaches, and the Indian chess fraternity. Experts hailed her as one of India’s brightest rising stars, with the potential to lead the next generation of champions.
Speaking after her historic win, Anaya dedicated her gold medal to India. She expressed her ambitions with a maturity far beyond her years:
“My next goal is to become a Grandmaster and someday win the World Championship.”
Anaya’s success is rooted in a powerful combination of early family support, disciplined training, and the guidance of her coach, Amitpal Singh, who recognized her exceptional talent at a young age. She reportedly practices chess for 6 to 8 hours every day, refining her game with unwavering dedication. Her current victory also follows another major milestone—finishing 7th at the Under-08 World Cup in Georgia, where she placed in the global Top 10.
This achievement holds exceptional significance for India. With multiple Indian players across age groups performing brilliantly this year, the Commonwealth Championship showcased the rising depth and strength of young Indian chess talent. Anaya’s gold medal is not just a personal triumph—it symbolizes India’s growing dominance on the world stage.
As celebrations erupt in Hyderabad and across Telangana, the nation looks forward to seeing how far this young chess sensation will go. For now, Anaya Sharma stands tall as a champion, a pioneer, and an inspiration to millions of children across India who dream of making their mark in the world.
