On a crisp evening in Kazakhstan, the tricolour flew high, and the chess world took notice. Ten-year-old Sharvaanica A 

S, a Woman Candidate Master from Tamil Nadu, clinched the gold medal in the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championship (U-10 Girls category). Her extraordinary feat makes her only the third Indian ever to win this title, joining the legendary ranks of Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh. This victory is not just another medal it is a story of grit,  and the beginning  of a new star in India’s ever-growing chess universe.

A Rocky Start, A Stunning Comeback

Sharvaanica’s journey at the championship began with a stumble. She lost her opening round match a result that could have shaken any young player’s confidence. But instead of crumbling, she regrouped. What followed was a masterclass in determination: nine consecutive wins that made her to the top of the leaderboard. By the end of 11 rounds, she had secured 9 points out of 11, enough to take the crown despite losing her final-round game to Zhou Abigail of the USA. The tie-break rule based on her earlier win over Mongolia’s Nandinjiguur Chinzorig, who also finished with 9 points ensured the title was hers.

Gold That Inspires a Generation

For India, Sharvaanica’s victory is a landmark. Out of nearly 30 Indian players who participated across age groups, she was the only one crowned world champion.

The competition featured 844 players from 88 countries, making the achievement even more special. 

Sharvaanica’s win also carries personal milestones. She becomes the first player from Tamil Nadu to win the Under-10 Girls World Championship. With this, she has brought not just pride to her state but renewed hope to Indian parents, teachers, and budding chess enthusiasts who look at sport as a channel for discipline and success.

Beyond the Trophy: What This Win Means

Sharvaanica’s gold medal is not just another prize, it means a lot more. Her victory gives her direct entry into many top tournaments like the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championship 2026, the World Youth Championship, the World School Championship, and even the Commonwealth Championship. It also gives her a big jump in her FIDE rating, which will help her gain recognition on the international stage. 

But more importantly, her success is a source of inspiration for young girls across India, encouraging them to take up chess, a game often thought of as male-dominated. Sharvaanica’s achievement is therefore not just about her; it reflects India’s growing strength in world chess, which has already been lit up by greats like Viswanathan Anand, R Praggnanandhaa, and D Gukesh. 

At just ten years old, she traveled thousands of kilometers, faced opponents from nearly 90 nations, and overcame the pressure of representing her country on the world stage. Behind her smile on the podium lie countless hours of practice, sacrifices by her parents, and guidance from coaches who believed in her.Sharvaanica becomes more than a champion.

A Golden Beginning

Sharvaanica’s  gold at the FIDE World U-10 Girls Chess Championship 2025 is not just a victory for her but a moment of collective pride for India. She has joined a rare club of champions, brought glory to Tamil Nadu, and shown that the spirit of Indian chess is alive and thriving in its youngest players. As the cheers of Kazakhstan’s closing ceremony fade, one thing is certain Sharvaanica has made her opening move on the world stage, and the game ahead promises to be extraordinary.