Complaint Filed Against 3-Year-Old Chess Prodigy as Youngest-Ever FIDE Rating Comes Under Scrutiny
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A controversy has emerged around three-year-old Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, who recently became the youngest-ever FIDE-rated chess player. A formal complaint has been submitted to the global chess body, alleging that the rating may have been obtained through irregular means. The allegations claim that three opponents the child defeated were connected to the same academy where he trains, raising concerns about potential conflict of interest.
According to reports, the complaint states that the matches involved violations of FIDE’s fair play standards. The prodigy, who hails from Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, earned his initial rating after playing against opponents significantly older and higher ranked. His father and coach have acknowledged awareness of the complaint but have dismissed the allegations, attributing them to local disputes within the chess community.
The three opponents in question — Abhijeet Awasthi, Shubham Chourasiya and Yogesh Namdev — competed in tournaments held in Khandwa, Indore, Chhindwara and Mangaluru. They were defeated by the young player, leading to widespread attention. The complaint, however, suggests the players may be associated with the same training ecosystem, challenging the legitimacy of the contests.
It is also alleged that during one event, both Sarwagya and an opponent were manually added to the draw after it was generated, resulting in questions about procedural fairness. Another incident mentioned involves a rapid match where the child lost on time after briefly leaving the board.
The matter is now with FIDE, which will assess the concerns raised and determine whether further review is required.
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The allegations against the young chess prodigy highlight the complexities of competitive sport, even at early developmental stages. Transparent procedures and fair play remain essential to protect both the integrity of the game and the aspirations of emerging talent. As the matter awaits FIDE’s evaluation, the focus should remain on clarity, fairness and ensuring a supportive environment for young players.