The FIDE World Cadet Chess Championship 2025, held from September 19–30 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, brought together the brightest young minds from around the world. Over 840 players from 88 countries competed across the Under-8, Under-10, and Under-12 categories — each aiming for a world title that marks the first big step in a chess career.
While Kazakhstan, the host nation, emerged as the overall team champion, India’s young players once again showed their class, bringing home one gold and two bronze medals. Their performances proved that Indian chess continues to grow stronger at the grassroots level and that our young prodigies are ready to take on the world.
Top Indian Performances — Young Stars Who Made the Nation Proud
Sharvaanica A.S. – Gold, Girls Under-10
India’s biggest success came from Sharvaanica A.S., rated 1789, who dominated the Girls Under-10 category. After a slow start, she bounced back in remarkable style, winning nine games in a row to finish with 9 points out of 11.
Her fighting spirit and consistent play earned her the gold medal and the admiration of chess fans across the country. Already holding the title of Woman Candidate Master (WCM), Sharvaanica continues to be one of India’s most promising young players.
Kiyana Parihar – Bronze, Girls Under-10
In the same category, Kiyana Parihar, rated 1728, and a student of the Kingdom of Chess Academy, secured the bronze medal with 8.5 out of 11 points. Kiyana showed maturity beyond her age, playing confidently against international opponents from the USA, Kazakhstan, and Croatia. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and convert equal positions into wins stood out throughout the tournament.
Her achievement is a proud moment for the Kingdom of Chess community — a reflection of disciplined practice, mentorship, and belief.
Mani Sarbartho – Bronze, Open Under-10
Another medal came from Mani Sarbartho of West Bengal, rated 1902, who finished third in the Open Under-10 category. Mani scored 8.5 out of 11, displaying sharp tactical skills and strong nerves in time pressure. Earlier this year, he represented India in the World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship alongside Viswanathan Anand, and that experience clearly helped him handle big-stage competition with confidence.
Kazakhstan Dominated the Medal Table
Host nation Kazakhstan dominated the championship with three gold medals, winning the overall team title.
Adinur Adilbek won Open Under-8
Alisha Bisalieva took Girls Under-8
Danis Kuandykuly claimed Open Under-12
China and the USA both earned one gold each, while several European nations, including Poland and Azerbaijan, featured strongly in the top-10 team standings.
India’s single gold and two bronze medals placed it among the most successful delegations from Asia.
Overall Championship Results
Girls U8 Results
Total Players: 94
Gold Medal- Alisha Bissaliyeva (1704, Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
Silver Medal- Zhu Jiahe (1630, China) – 9
Bronze Medal- Bold-Erdene Tselmeg (1661, Mongolia) – 8½
Open U8 Results
Total Players: 150
Gold Medal- Adinur Adilbek (1935, Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
Silver Medal- Fedor Sidelnikov (1720, FIDE) – 8½
Bronze Medal- Wang Yuxuan (1728, China) – 8½
Girls U10 Results
Total Players: 115
Gold Medal- WCM Sharvaanica, A S (1971, India) – 9 points
Silver Medal- WCM Chinzorig Nandinjiguur (1887, Mongolia) – 9
Bronze Medal- Kiyanna Parihaar (1728, India) – 8½
Open U10 Results
Total Players: 185
Gold Medal- Yuan Shunzhe (1805, China) – 9 points
Silver Medal- CM Le Phan Hoang Quan (2031, Vietnam) – 9
Bronze Medal- AFM Mani Sarbartho (2072, India) – 8½
Girls U12 Results
Total Players: 123
Gold Medal- Lacey Wang (1883, USA) – 8½ points
Silver Medal- WFM Laurie Qiu (1994, USA) – 8½
Bronze Medal- Milana Sokolova (1870, FIDE) – 8½
Open U12 Results
Total Players: 175
Gold Medal- CM Danis Kuandykuly (2211, Kazakhstan) – 9 points
Silver Medal- CM Ali Poyraz Ozdemir (2196, Turkey) – 9
Bronze Medal- CM Ethan Guo (2330, USA) – 8½
Why These Results Matter
Every year, the World Cadet Championship acts as a glimpse into the future of international chess.
Players like Sharvaanica, Kiyana, and Mani are not only winning medals — they are also gaining priceless experience in handling long tournaments, unfamiliar opponents, and high-pressure moments.
For Indian parents and coaches, these results are a reminder that strong foundations built through structured training and regular practice can make a world of difference.
The progress of academies like Kingdom of Chess, which nurture children from the beginner level to international tournaments, shows how quality guidance can bridge the gap between local and global success.
What’s Next for Young Indian Talents
The focus now shifts to upcoming events such as the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2025, scheduled later this year, and the National Under-13 and Under-15 Championships in India.
Many of the medalists from Almaty are expected to participate in these tournaments, using the experience gained at the World Cadet Championship to further refine their play.
With stronger preparation systems, international exposure, and community support, India’s youth chess pipeline looks stronger than ever.
Photos Credit: KazChess
