Pune’s Young Chess Star: Anvi Hinge Bags 6 Medals in Western Asian Championship!

Born in 2017, Anvi Deepak Hinge's journey into the world of chess began at just 4.5 years old. Encouraged by her family, she developed an early fascination with the game. She began formal training in 2022 and quickly made a mark in local tournaments. Her very first competition saw her walk away with a medal for being the youngest participant. Within months, she clinched the title of Pune District Champion and continued to shine in city-level events, including winning the Best Girl Under-7 title at the Gandhi Tournament and securing first place in the Under-9 category at another prestigious event. Rising Star: Chess Prodigy Anvi Deepak HingeAnvi’s excellence on the chessboard soon extended to the national level. In early 2024, she stood out among hundreds of participants at the 12th National School Chess Championship by claiming the 2nd runner-up position in the Under-7 Girls category. Scoring 7 out of 9 points. Just months later, she was crowned the Maharashtra State Under-7 Champion, defeating the tournament leader in only 18 moves. Her success at the state and national levels solidified her reputation as one of India’s most talented young chess players.Current FIDE Ratings (May 2025) ● Standard: 1614 ● Rapid: 1635 ● Blitz: 1531 International Early Beginnings: Making India Proud!Anvi’s skills soon gained international recognition when she represented India at the Western Asian Youth Chess Championship 2025. Competing in Bangkok in the Under-8 Girls category, she brought home six medals, two gold and four silver across Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats. Not only did she defeat top-ranked players, but she also held her nerve under pressure. Continuing her winning streak, Anvi went on to win a silver medal at the World Cadet Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025 in the Under-8 Girls Rapid event. Scoring 9.5 out of 11 points, she further proved her mettle on the global stage. Major Titles:● Vice World Champion – Girls U8, World Cadet & Youth Chess Championship, Rhodes, Greece (April 2025) ● Maharashtra State Champion – Girls U7, Palghar (August 2024) ● Three-Time Consecutive Pune District Champion – Girls U7 (January 2023 & January 2024), Girls U9 (January 2025)Career Highlights:● 7 Medals in 15 Days – At World Cadet & Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship (Greece) and Western Asia Youth Chess Championship (Tajikistan), April 2025 ● Silver Medalist – Rapid Format, World Cadet & Youth Chess Championship, Greece ● 4th Place – Blitz Format, World Cadet & Youth Chess Championship, Greece ● 3 Individual Silver Medals – Standard, Rapid, Blitz, Western Asia Youth Chess Championship, Tajikistan ●  2 Team Gold Medals – Standard and Rapid, Western Asia Youth Chess Championship, Tajikistan ● Team Silver Medal – Blitz Format, Western Asia Youth Chess Championship, Tajikistan ● Team Silver Medals – Rapid and Blitz Formats, Asian Schools Chess Championship 2024, Bangkok ● 3rd Place – National Schools U7 Girls Championship, Patna (February 2024) ● 6th Place – National U7 Girls Championship, Mysore (September 2024)       ●  Runner-Up – Maharashtra U9 Girls State Selection Chess Championship, Solapur (May 2025) A Hero’s WelcomeDuring her triumphant return from Dubai, Anvi received a hero’s welcome at an Indigo flight, when the pilot made a special announcement acknowledging her incredible achievements, which was met with a round of applause and cheers from the passengers.The gesture resonated deeply with many and was shared widely on social media, further inspiring young talents across India. Looking Ahead The journey continues with an exciting lineup of tournaments in 2025. First up is the prestigious World Cup Chess Championship in Batumi, Georgia, scheduled for June. In September, all eyes turn to the FIDE World Cadet Championship (U8) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where the competition promises to be intense. Wrapping up the year is the Asian Youth Championship in Bangkok this November—a key milestone in the chess calendar and a major goal on the horizon.At just eight years old, Anvi Hinge with her sharp mind, discipline, and humility, is a glowing reminder of what young determination and focused mentorship can achieve.