A curious boy
and a chessboard.
There was no grandmaster in the family and no master plan — only a curious boy and a board. In early 2025 a school report noted that he wasn't paying attention during chess. Then his two grandfathers, visiting over a festival, taught him the pieces at home. Weeks later he won a small society tournament in the Under-8 group. He was four.
In January 2026 his parents entered him into a real rated open. He scored one point out of nine. Most children would have stopped. Riyaan went home smiling — and asked to train.
"Whenever I lose, I get stronger." — Riyaan's chess philosophy, borrowed from his football coach
Within months the losses turned into medals. His parents, Naman and Ashma, learned the game alongside him. Chess stopped being a hobby and became a family journey.
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Jan 2026One point from nine
His first rated open. Most children would have stopped — Riyaan asked to train.
- Early 2026
He chose to train
Losses became lessons. His parents learned the game alongside him.
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Feb–Apr 2026The medals begin
Team gold at the state schools championship, early podiums, and his first international FIDE-rated open.
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May 2026A state podium
Youngest winner of the Karnataka State Under-7 Championship.
- Aug 2026
India's colours
Representing India in the Under-6 category at the ASEAN+ Championships, Singapore.