Guwahati is celebrating a major international sporting achievement after 11-year-old chess player Viraj Sarawgi delivered back-to-back strong performances in two FIDE-rated tournaments in Europe, earning widespread praise and bringing recognition to Assam on the global chess stage.
The young prodigy, a Class VI student of Royal Global School, Guwahati, gained an impressive 290 Elo rating points across tournaments held in Italy and Germany, marking one of the biggest rating jumps by an Assam-based junior player in recent times.
Guwahati-based 11-year-old chess player Viraj Sarawgi impressed in two European FIDE tournaments in Italy and Germany, gaining a total of 290 Elo rating points. The Royal Global School student defeated higher-rated opponents and drew praise from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for making Assam proud internationally.
Strong Showing in Italy
Viraj first competed in the Italian International Open, held from January 23 to February 2, which featured nearly 100 players from various countries.
Despite being one of the youngest participants, he scored 3.5 points, defeating several opponents rated above 1700 Elo. His performance resulted in a rating gain of 122 points, reflecting his growing strength and confidence in international competition.
Follow-Up Success in Germany
Building on his momentum, Viraj then took part in the Nordwest Cup (B Category Open) in Germany, where the competition level was even tougher, with multiple players rated above 2000.
Once again, the Guwahati youngster rose to the challenge. His performance earned him an additional 161 Elo points, taking his combined rating gain from both European tournaments to a remarkable 290 points.
Praise from Assam’s Leadership
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Viraj for his achievement, applauding his discipline and determination and noting that the young chess player has made Assam proud on the international stage.
The achievement has also drawn praise from the local chess community in Guwahati, with coaches and players describing it as a significant milestone for grassroots chess in the city.
Training and Support System
Viraj currently trains at the Mumbai Chess Centre under the guidance of coach Srikanth Sarma Malladi, along with a team of experienced trainers. His exposure to high-level coaching and regular international competition has played a key role in his rapid progress.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati has been steadily emerging as a nurturing ground for young talent in sports beyond traditional disciplines. Viraj’s success highlights the city’s growing footprint in competitive chess, inspiring other young players across Assam to aim for international platforms.
What Happens Next
With a sharp rise in his FIDE rating and growing international exposure, Viraj Sarawgi is expected to participate in more global tournaments in the coming months as he continues his development as a competitive chess player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many Elo points did Viraj Sarawgi gain in Europe?
He gained a total of 290 Elo points across tournaments in Italy and Germany.
Q2. Which school does Viraj Sarawgi study in?
Viraj is a Class VI student of Royal Global School, Guwahati.