Guwahati’s rising chess star, Viraj Sarawgi, has made a name for himself on the international chess circuit by securing a silver medal at the Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship. The prestigious event was held at Kings College, Bang Phong Phang, Bangkok, on Sunday, February 4, 2025.
Competing in the Under-12 category, the talented Grade 5 student from Royal Global School, Guwahati, delivered a spectacular performance, earning 5.5 points out of 6 rounds. This remarkable achievement has positioned him as one of Assam’s most promising young chess players.
Viraj Sarawgi’s Stellar Performance at Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship
The Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship is a highly competitive international chess tournament that attracts young chess prodigies from across the globe. This year’s event featured around 250 players from seven countries, making it one of the most challenging tournaments in the region.
Despite entering as an unrated player, Viraj stunned everyone with his exceptional skills, defeating two experienced FIDE-rated opponents:
- Kultungkijsaree Poom (FIDE rating: 1502)
- Juntongjin Prin (FIDE rating: 1496)
His only loss came against the tournament’s eventual champion, Ayan Mukherjee (FIDE rating: 1596). This impressive performance has set the stage for Viraj’s journey towards becoming a top chess player in India and beyond.
A Rising Chess Prodigy from Assam
Hailing from Guwahati, Assam, Viraj Sarawgi has already established himself as a future chess champion. His strategic gameplay, analytical skills, and determination have drawn attention from chess enthusiasts and experts alike.
Viraj’s success at the Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship is particularly commendable, as he competed against seasoned international players, many of whom have years of experience and professional training. His ability to hold his ground and outperform rated players speaks volumes about his potential in the world of chess.
Inspiration from Grandmaster D. Gukesh
Viraj draws inspiration from India’s Grandmaster D. Gukesh, one of the youngest and most accomplished chess players in the world. Following in Gukesh’s footsteps, Viraj dreams of becoming a world chess champion and making India proud on the global chess stage.
He is dedicated to rigorous training and continuous improvement, sharpening his skills through regular practice, strategic learning, and participation in high-level tournaments. His silver medal win in Bangkok is just the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious chess career.
The Road Ahead: Viraj Sarawgi’s Future in Chess
Viraj’s outstanding performance in Bangkok has opened new doors for him in the world of competitive chess. With the right training, mentorship, and opportunities, he has the potential to achieve great heights in the sport.
His success has also brought immense pride to Assam and India, highlighting the state’s growing presence in the international chess community.
As he continues to compete in national and international tournaments, Viraj aims to:
- Earn an official FIDE rating.
- Participate in major international chess championships.
- Work towards achieving the title of Grandmaster (GM).
- Represent India on the global stage.
Assam’s Emerging Chess Talent on the Global Stage
Viraj Sarawgi’s victory at the Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship marks a major milestone for Assam’s chess community. His success serves as an inspiration for young chess players across the state, proving that with hard work, dedication, and the right guidance, international success is within reach.
With his talent and determination, Viraj Sarawgi is well on his way to becoming one of India’s most promising chess players. His silver medal at the Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship is a testament to his skills, discipline, and love for the game. As he continues to climb the ranks, chess enthusiasts and fans across Assam and India eagerly await his next big achievement. The future of Indian chess looks bright with young stars like Viraj leading the way.
