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 — one that now runs from Bengaluru to Singapore.
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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–May 2026Medals & a state podium
Team gold at the state schools championship, an international FIDE-rated open, and youngest winner of the Karnataka State Under-7 title.
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Jun 2026Playing up
Competing in the Under-9 championship, and a 5th place at the Karnataka State Schools Championship in Udupi.
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Jul 2026Runner-up in an Under-13 open
At five, he finished 2nd overall in an Under-13 tournament — and Best Under-7 player.
- Aug 2026
India's colours
Representing India in the Under-6 category at the ASEAN+ Championships, Singapore.