At Tamil Chess Coach, we’re excited to spotlight the achievements of young, passionate learners—and today, we’re proud to share the incredible story of Rochan, a talented 12-year-old who earned a FIDE standard rating of 1434 just 10 months after discovering chess. His journey is a testament to what pure interest and consistent effort can achieve.
A Curious Start That Sparked a Passion
Rochan’s introduction to chess happened by chance. Last summer, he was sent to a handwriting class—and it was there that he got introduced to chess. What began as a casual encounter quickly turned into a deep and growing passion.
Soon after, he started playing in state-level tournaments. In his first tournament, he scored just 1.5 out of 7. However, it was in his second tournament that he surprised his coach by defeating a rated opponent, finishing with 3 points out of 6. That single win was enough to light a fire in him.
Rapid Growth Fueled by Self-Motivation
Just a month later, Rochan scored another win against a rated player. Then, in his fourth month of learning chess, he secured 4th place out of 120 players and received a trophy from Grandmaster Shyam Sundar. That unforgettable moment further fueled his dedication to the game.
Even with limited time to prepare, Rochan stayed consistent—practicing chess 1 to 2 hours daily. His steady progress and love for the game kept him moving forward.
Reaching the FIDE Milestone
Rochan finally earned his first classical rating at the 2nd Namma Bangalore Grandmasters Chess Tournament—his first-ever FIDE-rated event. Despite being relatively new to the game and short on preparation time, he performed brilliantly and emerged with a FIDE standard rating of 1434.
Looking Ahead
Though our academy has only just begun working with Rochan, we are inspired by his journey and excited to support him moving forward. His genuine enthusiasm, self-discipline, and love for chess are rare qualities in any student—especially one this young.
Congratulations, Rochan! Your journey proves that when passion leads the way, even a short path can take you far.