Kolkata, 13th Nov 2024 : Three-year-old chess prodigy Anish Sarkar had a dream come true on November 12 when he met his idol, world chess champion Magnus Carlsen. The young chess star from Kaikhali, North Kolkata, was thrilled to meet the legendary grandmaster ahead of the prestigious Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament, set to take place in Kolkata from November 13 to 15. Carlsen, known for his dominance in the chess world, took time to chat with Anish and even shared some valuable advice with him. The meeting became a cherished moment for Anish, who posed for photos with Carlsen at a media event, leaving an indelible mark on his early chess journey.
Anish Sarkar’s meteoric rise in chess has captured the attention of the chess community. Earlier in November, he became the youngest-rated chess player in history, achieving an initial FIDE rating of 1555 after fulfilling the requirement of playing against five rated players. Born in 2021, Anish’s prodigious talent was evident early on, and he has already competed against top players, including an exhibition match against India’s No. 1 chess player, Arjun Erigaisi, earlier this year.
During their meeting, Carlsen expressed amazement at Anish’s skill and shared some encouraging words. Reflecting on Anish’s achievements, Carlsen told the media, “First of all, it’s amazing to see the level he’s at. My nephew is turning four; he’s a bright young child, but I don’t see him getting a rating of 1500 anytime soon.” Carlsen’s words were a testament to Anish’s exceptional abilities, highlighting the rarity of such talent at such a young age.
Carlsen also offered heartfelt advice to Anish, encouraging him to focus on his love for the game rather than getting caught up in titles or rankings. “It is very impressive. Most of all, try to enjoy as much as you can. Don’t think about ratings, results, titles, and so on. They will come automatically; just do what you love,” Carlsen said, as reported by PTI. This advice resonates with the approach of many successful athletes, who emphasize passion over pressure, especially in their formative years.
Anish’s journey in chess began under the guidance of renowned Indian Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, who recognized the child’s talent and nurtured his skills. Despite his young age, Anish’s dedication to chess is clear, and his achievements reflect his immense potential. Coming from a middle-class Bengali family, Anish has shown a knack for learning beyond chess as well. His mother tongue is Bengali, but he has also picked up English with an American accent, largely from watching videos on YouTube. His family’s support and his own passion for the game have helped him make incredible strides at an age when most children are only beginning to explore the world around them.
As the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament commences, all eyes will be on the prodigious talent Anish Sarkar. His meeting with Carlsen is a milestone in his young life, and it is likely to serve as inspiration as he continues his chess journey. For now, however, Anish remains a bright young player who has had the privilege of standing beside his hero, capturing the admiration of both fans and professionals alike.
