In a moment of pride for Gujarat and India, three young chess prodigies have made a remarkable mark at the 2025 FIDE World School Championship held in Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia. The event, which took place from March 20 to 28, saw Gujarat’s very own Pragnika Vaka, just seven years old, securing a gold medal in the Under-7 girls’ category. Alongside her, Om Esh Gottumukala and Divi Bijesh from Gujarat also brought home silver medals in their respective categories.
The achievements of these young chess players not only highlight their incredible talent but also underscore the growing prominence of India, especially Gujarat, in the global chess arena.
Pragnika Vaka: A Chess Prodigy at Seven
One of the most heartening stories from the championship is that of Pragnika Vaka, whose gold medal win at the age of just seven has left the chess world astounded. Pragnika, who scored a perfect 9/9 in the Under-7 girls’ category, defeated some of the toughest competitors from countries like Serbia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Pragnika’s father, Ramanadh, shared that her journey into chess began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watching her elder sister, Varenya, play chess inspired Pragnika to follow in her footsteps. What began as a casual interest has turned into a passion, and within just a year and a half, Pragnika went on to secure the world title. Her victory is a testament to the fact that dedication, practice, and mental resilience can help anyone, no matter their age, achieve extraordinary things.
Om Esh Gottumukala and Divi Bijesh: Silver Stars
Alongside Pragnika, Gujarat’s Om Esh Gottumukala and Divi Bijesh also put up exceptional performances. Om Esh won silver in the Under-7 open category, competing against both boys and girls from around the world. His medal shows the remarkable potential of Gujarat’s young players and the strengthening of the state’s chess scene.
Similarly, Divi Bijesh earned a silver medal in the Under-11 girls’ category, an impressive feat given the high level of competition. Divi’s performance is a testament to the talent emerging from Gujarat, and it highlights the potential for even greater achievements in the future.
What These Wins Mean for Gujarat and India
The achievements of Pragnika, Om Esh, and Divi are not just a personal triumph but a significant moment for Gujarat and India on the global chess stage. The success of these young players signals a new era for Indian chess, where players are breaking barriers and proving that age is no limit to greatness.
These victories are especially important for the future of chess in Gujarat, as the state continues to develop a strong culture of chess training and competition. With an increasing number of young players participating in national and international tournaments, Gujarat is positioning itself as a key player in the global chess community.
Furthermore, these wins highlight the role of early training and mental conditioning in shaping successful chess players. Pragnika’s rise to the top in just over a year reflects the growing importance of introducing young children to chess at an early age. The support and guidance of parents, like Pragnika’s father, who ensured that both his daughters competed against boys from the age of five, is a key factor in this success.
The Growing Chess Culture in Gujarat
Gujarat has long been a hub for sports and education, but the recent achievements of young chess players are setting the stage for a new focus on intellectual sports. Chess is a game of strategy, critical thinking, and patience, qualities that contribute to the overall development of children. The victories of Pragnika, Om Esh, and Divi send a clear message to parents and educators that chess can be a valuable tool for enhancing cognitive abilities in young children.
This success also underscores the importance of investing in chess infrastructure in the state. While the state has traditionally focused on sports like cricket and kabaddi, the rise of Gujarat’s young chess stars opens the door for more focused efforts to develop talent in the game. By creating more opportunities for children to learn and compete in chess, Gujarat can ensure a future where the state continues to shine on the international stage.
The Road Ahead for Gujarat’s Chess Stars
Looking to the future, Pragnika, Om Esh, and Divi are just the beginning. Their success serves as an inspiration for the many young players in Gujarat who are already honing their skills, dreaming of competing at the highest levels. As the state continues to support young talents and provide them with the resources and training they need, we can expect more young champions to emerge in the years to come.
Their victories in the 2025 FIDE World School Championship are just the first step in what could be a long and successful journey in the world of competitive chess. As these young talents grow, they will not only become stronger players but will also inspire the next generation of chess enthusiasts in Gujarat and across India.
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