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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.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. 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. At just seven years old, Anvi Hinge with her sharp mind, discipline, and humility, is a glowing reminder of what young determination and focused mentorship can achieve.

3 Jun 2025
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Born to Win: Gukesh Celebrates 19 with Checkmates and Comebacks!

On his 19th birthday, Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh gifted himself more than just a slice of cake, he delivered back-to-back victories at the prestigious Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger. Starting the day with a stunning classical win against World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, Gukesh wrapped it up with a thrilling Armageddon triumph over World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana. What makes this feat even more remarkable is the shaky start. He had suffered early losses to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi. With grit and grace, Gukesh bounced back, rising to joint fourth position after four rounds, earning admiration from fans and legends alike.Gukesh’s Tactical Brilliance Shines! The birthday boy showed immense composure against Fabiano Caruana. Gukesh, learning from past mistakes like his rushed king advancement against Erigaisi, maintained a strategic stance throughout. When the game transitioned to Armageddon, the tie-break format, Gukesh, playing white, displayed absolute dominance. With 10 minutes on his clock (against Caruana’s 7), he launched a ferocious offensive, pushing Caruana into deep defense. After 51 intense moves, with checkmate looming, Caruana conceded, sealing Gukesh's second win of the day and giving him a birthday memory of a lifetime.Rising from the Ashes: Gukesh’s Journey in Norway!Gukesh’s journey in Norway Chess has been nothing short of a cinematic comeback. With zero points after two rounds, many questioned if he could hold his own among elite giants. But he silenced critics with his white-piece victory over Nakamura, one of the most feared rapid and blitz players in the world. Commentator and Grandmaster Sahaj Grover highlighted how Gukesh remained calm even when down a pawn and dangerously close to losing. Gukesh’s resilience, sharp endgame skills, and mental strength now have him sharing the fourth spot with Erigaisi at 4.5 points, with six rounds still to go.A Teen Titan Among Titans!The tournament leader Magnus Carlsen continues his streak at the top with eight points, undefeated under classical time control. Caruana follows closely with seven, and Nakamura holds third with 5.5. But all eyes are on Gukesh, the youngest in the field and now the newly crowned World Chess Champion. Post-match, seated beside Indian legend Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh humbly reflected on his journey: “The first two days, my play was okay, but my time management was off. Once I fixed that, everything started falling into place.” His growth as a player and maturity in handling pressure have impressed the chess world. On and off the board, Gukesh is proving that age is just a number, and 19 might just be his golden year.

31 May 2025
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The King Is Shaken: India’s Gukesh D Stuns Carlsen in Historic Classical Victory!

It was the rematch the chess world had been waiting for. Just a week after Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian maestro and five-time world champion, defeated D Gukesh in the opening round of Norway Chess and cryptically tweeted, “You come at the king, you best not miss,” the Indian teenager returned—undaunted and determined.And in the early hours of Monday in Stavanger, he didn’t miss.After a gripping 62-move encounter, 19-year-old Gukesh etched his name into history with his first classical win over Carlsen, sending a strong message not just to his opponent—but to the world.Carlsen’s Collapse, Gukesh’s GritAs the game reached its tense finale, Carlsen—who had looked set to win—cracked under pressure, slamming his fist on the board in frustration after a shocking blunder. Pieces flew, tension soared, but one remained standing: Gukesh’s king.While the Norwegian offered an apology for his outburst, he also acknowledged the brilliance of the moment with a pat on the Indian champion’s back—a gesture of respect from one titan to another.A Win Beyond the ScoreboardFor Gukesh, this was more than just a victory. It was vindication.Since becoming the youngest world chess champion in history earlier this year, he’s faced criticism that he won only because Carlsen didn’t compete. But with this win, he’s silenced doubters.“I was about to resign at one point,” Gukesh later admitted, “but I kept going, trying to make things tricky. Time scrambles can go out of control—and they did.”His coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, praised his “stubbornness and resourcefulness,” highlighting how Gukesh never gave up even when the position was lost.India, the birthplace of chess, is reclaiming its legacy through players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, who also beat Carlsen last year. Gukesh’s latest feat is more than a personal milestone—it’s a national moment of pride.From humble beginnings to global recognition, young Indian minds are dominating a game.Next Target: Arjun ErigaisiWith Carlsen conquered, Team Gukesh is already setting its sights on another formidable rival: fellow Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi.“Hopefully, we can break another unbreakable,” said Gajewski.From shaking hands to shaking up the leaderboard, Gukesh’s performance reflects the resilience, brilliance, and quiet power of India’s new generation. The boy from Chennai didn’t just win a game—he announced India’s place at the summit of world chess.And as the tricolour flutters in spirit across Stavanger, one thing is clear: the king may have been Carlsen—but the crown is India’s

2 Jun 2025
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Checkmate in Paris: Arjun Erigaisi Wins Over Magnus Carlsen!

India’s rising chess sensation Arjun Erigaisi launched into the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Paris with a storm of brilliance, taking down two of the world's top players in electrifying back-to-back rounds. The 21-year-old Grandmaster from Warangal, Telangana, sent shockwaves through the chess community by defeating none other than World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in round two, just after he had outplayed American Super GM Fabiano Caruana in the opener.The tournament, which kicked off on April 7, isn't your typical chess battleground, this is a format for the bold, the inventive, and the intuitive. The elite 12-player field faces off in a round-robin followed by knockout stages, creating an arena where adaptability reigns supreme.Arjun Erigaisi’s Thunderous Start: Calm Moves, Fierce Mind!Erigaisi arrived in Paris brimming with confidence after bagging three back-to-back Freestyle Friday online titles. But the real test loomed — could he carry that online brilliance onto the world stage? As it turned out, he didn’t just show up — he lit up the board. Facing Magnus Carlsen, Arjun unleashed a masterclass in precision. By the 10th move, he had Carlsen’s rook pinned and a bishop in his pocket, seizing control with calm authority.The Norwegian legend fought hard, weaving traps and pressing to cage Erigaisi’s king. But the young Indian’s nerves of steel and sharp calculation held firm. After just 29 commanding moves, Carlsen resigned, a rare sight and a thunderous statement by Erigaisi, who has now firmly positioned himself as a world-beater in the making.Freestyle Chess: Welcome to a Wild New Board!Freestyle Chess, also known as Chess960 or Fischer Random, was introduced by the maverick genius Bobby Fischer to break free from the shackles of over-studied openings. In this format, the back-rank pieces are shuffled randomly before each game, leading to 960 possible starting positions. Players only learn the setup minutes before play begins, leaving zero room for rote preparation.The result? Pure chess. Raw thinking. On-the-spot strategy. The Paris leg is part of an ongoing revolution to push players out of their comfort zones, forcing them to rely on instinct, creativity, and lightning-fast adaptation.Indian Stars Lighting Up the Freestyle Sky!The Paris edition features four Indian Grandmasters - Arjun Erigaisi, World Champion D Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi, and the ever-impressive Praggnanandhaa, marking the largest Indian presence in the tour so far. Their participation reflects India’s meteoric rise in the global chess landscape.For Erigaisi, the journey from a young prodigy in Warangal to outplaying chess royalty like Carlsen speaks volumes of India’s next-gen power. As the knockout rounds loom, the Indian contingent stands tall, armed with talent, tenacity, and a hunger to dominate this uncharted, high-voltage format. The revolution is not just televised, it’s checkmated.

9 Apr 2025
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Koneru Humpy Clinches FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship: A Golden Era for Indian Chess!

Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has done it again—clinching the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship title in spectacular fashion! This victory is more than just another feather in her cap—it reflects her grit, brilliance, and determination. The championship, held in New York, saw Humpy stage an extraordinary comeback to clinch the title, rounding off what can only be described as a historic year for Indian chess.A Year to Remember for Indian ChessEarlier this year, Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the chess world by defeating China's Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion. With Koneru Humpy now claiming the women’s rapid chess title, 2024 has become a landmark year for Indian chess on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating this incredible feat, praised Koneru Humpy and said, “Her grit and brilliance continue to inspire millions. This victory is even more historic because it is her second world rapid championship title.”Defying the OddsHumpy’s journey to the top was far from smooth. She began the tournament with a disappointing first-round loss. However, her resilience shone through as she worked her way back up, culminating in a dramatic win against Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in the final round. She topped the leaderboard ahead of six competitors, including fellow Indian D Harika finishing with 8.5 points, .“It was indeed a very happy moment for me because this is my second world title,” Humpy shared in an interview. “It’s a golden era for Indian chess, having two world champions in the same year. This will definitely motivate a lot of youngsters to pursue the sport professionally.”Source: Google ImagesOvercoming Personal ChallengesThe victory was especially cathartic for Humpy, who admitted that 2024 had been a challenging year. She delivered subpar performances in major tournaments like Norway Chess and Tata Steel Chess. Humpy shared that 2024 had been a challenging year for her, during which she felt extremely low and even considered quitting professional chess. However, she decided against ending her career on a disappointing note and dedicated the entire month of November to intensive training for the championship.Trailblazer and Role ModelHumpy’s achievements are a source of immense pride for India. In 2002, she made headlines as the youngest woman to achieve the Grandmaster title at just 15 years old, a record later broken by China’s Hou Yifan. Over the years, Humpy has continued to break barriers, becoming the first female Indian Grandmaster and earning accolades, including gold medals at the Olympiad, Asian Games, and Asian Championship.Her historic second world rapid title also sets her apart as the only Indian woman to achieve this feat.Inspiring the Next GenerationHumpy’s victory is not just a personal achievement but an inspiration for aspiring chess players. She remarked: “Winning for the second time is tougher, especially when competing with players half my age”As Indian chess continues to flourish, the younger generation, including players like Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa, are stepping up to make their mark on the global stage.Following her triumph, Humpy is set to compete in the World Blitz Championship starting December 30. With her eyes firmly on the future, she continues to inspire millions with her journey. As the world applauds Koneru Humpy’s achievement, it also celebrates India’s rising prominence in the chess world

30 Dec 2024
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Praggnanandhaa Beats World Champion, Surpasses Vishwanathan Anand To Become India’s Top Ranked Chess Player!

At just 18 years old, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in Indian chess history by outplaying the reigning world champion, Ding Liren, at the TATA Steel Chess Tournament. Tata Steel Chess Tournament is an annual chess tournament held in January in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands. This spectacular victory not only propels him to the top spot in Indian chess but also marks him as the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to conquer a world champion in classical chess. Praggnanandhaa overtook Anand in FIDE's live ratings. He now stands as India's new chess sensation with a rating of 2748.3, a mere 0.3 points ahead of the five-time world champion. This triumph is not just a numerical milestone; it symbolizes the shift of power within the Indian chess hierarchy. Praggnanandhaa expressed his surprise at defeating Ding Liren. The young grandmaster shared his thoughts, saying, "I felt I equalized very easily and then somehow things started to go wrong for him. Even after I won the pawn I felt it should be holdable." His humility and strategic acumen shine through, highlighting the challenges he overcame in the game. Reflecting on the significance of this win, Praggnanandhaa remarked, "I think any day, if you beat such a strong player, it's always special because it's not very easy to beat them. The first time winning against a world champion in classical chess feels good." This victory shows his continuous evolution as a young talent. While basking in the glow of his initial success in the tournament, Praggnanandhaa remains grounded. He is aware of the impending challenges and the need to sustain his performance throughout the competition. As is evident from his words: "It's good. I think the first three games were quite interesting. I think I am playing well but it was the same case last year. There was a point when I was playing really well and then my play dropped quite badly so I think it's really important to keep the energy high till the end of the tournament." As Praggnanandhaa basks in the glory of his newfound status as India's top-ranked chess player, the country eagerly anticipates his success in the tournament that will give a further boost to this young prodigy's promising career.

17 Jan 2024
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