assam-chess-champ-viraj-sarawgi-wins-silver-in-bangkok

Assam’s young chess prodigy, Viraj Sarawgi, has brought pride to India by securing a silver medal at the Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship.

 

The tournament, held at Kings College in Bangkok, saw intense competition, with talented players from multiple countries battling for top honours.

 

Viraj, a Grade 5 student at Royal Global School in Guwahati, competed in the Under-12 category and delivered an outstanding performance.

 

He secured 5.5 points out of 6 rounds, finishing as the runner-up in a highly competitive field. His impressive skills and strategic play helped him shine on the international stage.

 

The championship featured around 250 players from seven countries, making it a prestigious event for young chess enthusiasts.

 

Viraj entered the tournament as an unrated player but defied expectations by defeating two FIDE-rated opponents, Kultungkijsaree Poom (1502) and Juntongjin Prin (1496). His only loss was against the tournament’s winner, Ayan Mukherjee, who holds a FIDE rating of 1596.

 

Viraj’s success is the result of dedication and rigorous training. He has been honing his skills under the guidance of esteemed coaches Durga Nagesh Guttula and Shrikanth Malladi. His mentors have praised his fearless approach, strong tactical play, and exceptional fighting spirit.

 

Coach Durga Nagesh Guttula expressed confidence in Viraj’s potential, stating that his ability to challenge experienced players at such a young age is remarkable. He believes that Viraj’s passion and commitment to the game will take him far in the world of chess.

 

Viraj looks up to Grandmaster D. Gukesh as his inspiration and aspires to follow in his footsteps. His goal is to become a world champion, and he is determined to work hard to achieve his dream.

 

His journey does not stop here. Viraj is now preparing for the Abu Dhabi Junior Chess Championship, which is scheduled to take place in August. With his recent success boosting his confidence, he aims to continue his winning streak and make India proud on the global stage.

 

His performance in Bangkok has reaffirmed that Assam is home to some of the brightest chess talents in the country. As he continues to excel, the chess community eagerly watches his progress, expecting many more achievements in the years to come.