New Delhi, July 8, 2025: In a jaw-dropping moment for chess fans, nine-year-old Aarit Kapil from Delhi nearly defeated the world’s top chess player, Magnus Carlsen, in an online chess match. The young prodigy’s fearless play has left the chess world buzzing and put India’s growing chess talent in the spotlight.
Aarit, a fifth-standard student from Somerville School in Mayur Vihar, faced Carlsen during the “Early Titled Tuesday” tournament on Chess.com. Playing from a hotel room in Georgia, where he is competing in the Under-10 World Championship, Aarit showed incredible skill. He outplayed the five-time world champion for most of the game, holding a winning position by move 25. With only seconds left on his clock, Aarit couldn’t seal the victory, and the game ended in a draw after 49 moves. Still, his performance was nothing short of extraordinary.
“I was so excited to play my hero, Magnus Carlsen!” Aarit told reporters, his eyes sparkling with pride. “I had him in trouble, but time ran out. Next time, I’ll win!” His father, Vijay Kapil, shared that Aarit was jumping with joy after the match, shouting, “I drew with Carlsen!”
Aarit, who started playing chess just four years ago, has already made waves. He finished as runner-up in the Under-9 National Championship and defeated Grandmaster Raset Ziatdinov last year. Trained by International Master Vishal Sareen, Aarit spends five to six hours daily practicing chess. His bold moves against Carlsen, including a strong counterattack, had experts calling it a “near-miss miracle.”
Chess fans across India are thrilled. “A nine-year-old taking on the world’s best? That’s our India shining!” said Priya Sharma, a chess coach in Mumbai. Social media is abuzz with posts praising Aarit, with many calling him the future of Indian chess.
This isn’t the first time a young Indian has challenged Carlsen. Just weeks ago, 19-year-old world champion D Gukesh defeated Carlsen at the Norway Chess tournament. Aarit’s near-victory adds to the growing list of Indian chess stars making their mark globally.
Aarit’s family is now seeking sponsors to help him compete in more international tournaments. With his talent and determination, this young chess wizard is already inspiring kids across India to pick up a chessboard and dream big.
As Aarit prepares for his next game at the Under-10 World Championship, the nation watches with pride. Will this nine-year-old be the next to shake up the chess world? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—Aarit Kapil is a name to remember.
Last Updated on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 7:02 pm by M.Deepak Reddy
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