At just three years old, chess sensation Anish Sarkar has been recognised with one of India’s most prestigious honours for young achievers — the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. The award was presented to him by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, acknowledging his extraordinary accomplishments in the world of chess.
Anish, hailing from Kolkata, West Bengal, shot to international fame after becoming the youngest FIDE‑rated chess player in the world, earning an official rating at just three years, eight months and 19 days old — a remarkable feat given his age. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is the highest civilian award for children in India, honouring exceptional achievements in fields such as sports, bravery, innovation, arts and culture. Anish was among 17 children from across the country recognised at the event for their outstanding contributions and inspiring accomplishments.
At the ceremony, President Murmu praised the young prodigy, noting that Anish’s achievement becoming a world‑ranked chess player before most children start school exemplifies the extraordinary potential of India’s youth and serves as an inspiration to the nation.
