Guwahati, February 4: Assam's rising chess star Viraj Sarawgi has achieved a remarkable milestone on the international stage by gaining 290 FIDE Elo rating points during two consecutive FIDE-rated tournaments held in Italy and Germany between January 23 and February 2. The outstanding performance has further established the 11-year-old as one of the state's most promising young chess talents.
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| Assam’s 11-Year-Old Chess Player Viraj Sarawgi |
A Class VI student of Royal Global School, Guwahati, Viraj impressed against a strong field of international competitors, demonstrating maturity, consistency, and tactical skill beyond his age. His European campaign began at the Italian International Open, where nearly 100 players from various countries competed. Facing several opponents rated above 1700 Elo, Viraj scored 3.5 points, registering notable victories and earning a 122-point increase in his FIDE rating.
Building on that success, Viraj travelled to Germany to compete in the Nordwest Cup (B Category Open). The tournament featured a highly competitive field, including several players with Elo ratings exceeding 2000. Undeterred by the challenge, the young Assamese player produced another impressive performance, gaining an additional 161 Elo points. His combined gain of 290 Elo points during the European tour represents a significant leap in his international ranking.
Viraj receives professional training at the Mumbai Chess Center, where he is coached by Srikanth Sarma Malladi along with other experienced trainers. His steady progress reflects years of dedicated practice and highlights the importance of structured coaching in nurturing young sporting talent.
Congratulating the young prodigy, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Viraj's exceptional achievements, stating that his performances in Europe have brought pride to Assam and inspired aspiring chess players across the state.
Sports enthusiasts and chess experts have also hailed Viraj's success as a major boost for the development of chess in Assam and the Northeast. His achievements underscore the growing presence of young players from the region in international competitions and demonstrate that talent from Assam can compete successfully on the global stage.
With his recent performances, Viraj Sarawgi has taken another important step in his promising chess career, raising hopes that he will continue to excel and represent India with distinction in future international tournaments.
