Meet Aansh Nerukar: Indian Chess Prodigy From Mumbai Who Aspires to Be the Youngest Grandmaster

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In the realm of chess, where strategic mastery and steadfast concentration are paramount, Mumbai's Aansh Nerurkar is making a mark. The 11-year-old prodigy dreams of becoming the youngest grandmaster globally and achieving the unprecedented milestone of surpassing the 3000 Elo rating.

A seventh-grader from Orchids The International School, Borivali branch, Aansh recently clinched victory in the Futures Category at the prestigious Prague International Chess Tournament 2024. Not only did he secure the top position, but he also achieved the remarkable feat of being the first Indian to conquer this category.

Aansh's journey in chess began at the tender age of seven, driven by a fascination for the intricate manoeuvres of the game's pieces. His initiation into chess was facilitated by his mother, who brought home a chessboard from the mall, igniting Aansh's passion for the game. Since then, there has been no looking back for this young prodigy.

At just eleven years old, Aansh boasts an impressive Elo rating of 2236, earning him the prestigious title of Candidate Master. His journey to the top has been marked by numerous victories, including clinching the gold medal at the under-11 Chess Championship and representing India at various national and international competitions.

In his recent triumph at the Prague International Chess Tournament, Aansh displayed unparalleled skill and determination, remaining undefeated throughout the competition. His strategic prowess was tested against formidable opponents like Brzezina Pawel from Poland and Andre Tomas from Slovakia, both seasoned players with formidable FIDE ratings. However, Aansh's innovative approach and mastery of complex middle-game positions ensured his dominance on the board, culminating in a resounding victory.

While interacting with myKhel, Ansh spoke about his journey and aspirations. When asked about his favourite subjects in school, Aansh humbly acknowledges his love for mathematics, English, and science. Despite his remarkable achievements in chess, he remains grounded and committed to excelling in academics.

"During my childhood, I developed a fascination for the animals depicted on the chessboard, particularly the horses. Intrigued by this, I expressed an interest in learning the game. One day, my mother purchased a chessboard from the mall, which introduced me to the world of chess around 2019-2020.

"Subsequently, I delved into competitive chess, representing Telangana in the National School Chess Championship. Following my family's relocation to Maharashtra, I continued my pursuit of chess excellence, securing the bronze medal at the Jammu Under 10 National Championship and clinching the gold medal at the Under 11 Chess Championship. These achievements have solidified my status as the reigning Under 11 National Champion of India," Ansh said.

Aansh credits his parents for being his strongest supporters, providing unwavering encouragement and motivation during both triumphs and setbacks on the chessboard.

He adds, "My parents are my greatest supporters in my chess journey. They provided me with the chessboard, which became my gateway to the game. Through their guidance, I learned the intricacies of chess. In moments of defeat, they offer encouragement, motivating me to bounce back stronger in the subsequent games. Their unwavering support is invaluable to me."

Guiding Aansh on his chess journey is his coach, Prasad Deshmukh, whose mentorship has been instrumental in shaping Aansh's strategic acumen and analytical skills. Together, they have meticulously honed Aansh's abilities, enabling him to navigate the complexities of high-level chess with confidence and finesse.

Talking about his performance in Prague, the 11-year-old remarked, "The Prague event proved to be a highly competitive and esteemed chess tournament. Before the event, I set a personal target for myself, considering the calibre of the participants. Initially aiming for a score of seven out of nine, I surpassed my expectations by achieving a remarkable eight out of nine.

"This outcome filled me with immense satisfaction. During the tournament, I opted for unconventional openings to catch my opponents off guard. I thrive in complex middle-game positions, where my strategic strengths shine brightest."

Aansh won the best team award with Indian Grand Master R Praggnanandhaa in Prague and while speaking about his interactions with Pragg and legendary Viswanathan Anand, the youngster said, "I have met Vishi Anand and Pragg and it was great experience. He's (Viswanathan Anand) one of the best players in the world, he was also one of the world champions. So I was inspired by him. And he taught us about some complex rules and games which are implied in my games and also some lines."

Looking ahead, Aansh's aspirations extend beyond individual accolades. His ultimate goal is to become the youngest Grandmaster in chess history (he has a few months at hand) and later wants to surpass the coveted 3000 ELO rating milestone, a feat yet to be achieved by any Indian player.

"My first objective is to become the youngest Grandmaster. I also aim to surpass the Elo 3000 mark and become the first Indian player to achieve that feat," he adds.

American chess grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra currently holds the distinction of being the youngest grandmaster. He became a GM on June 30, 2021, at the age of 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days, surpassing Sergey Karjakin's previous record of 12 years and 7 months, which had held since 2002.

Away from the chessboard, Aansh finds solace in his love for football, drawing inspiration from legendary players like Lionel Messi. His passion for sports extends beyond the confines of the chessboard, reflecting a well-rounded personality driven by ambition and a thirst for excellence.

The school administration ensures students like Ansh maintain a balance between studies and competitions by creating personalised academic plans, adjusting deadlines, and providing support during travel periods. They coordinate with teachers, coaches, and parents to monitor progress and provide necessary academic support.

Anagha Prabhu, Principal, Orchids The International School, Borivali West, Mumbai says, "School administration is prompt, quick, and flexible when it comes to adjustments regarding attendance and exams, especially for such gifted students like Aansh.

"Moreover, the administration encourages a supportive learning environment by coordinating with teachers to ensure continuity in coursework. They may facilitate communication between teachers, coaches, and parents to monitor Aansh's progress and provide necessary academic support while he is away for competitions.

"For missed syllabus due to tournaments, Aansh is guided and supported, with the administration often averaging out marks for tests attended to help him stay at par with his peers. This comprehensive approach not only supports Aansh's academic journey but also nurtures his talent and passion for competitive sports."

Additionally, the school offers comprehensive counselling and support services to address mental health concerns, including confidential counselling sessions, workshops on mental health awareness, and personalized support plans, fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.

Children today are often drawn to video games, posing a challenge for parents to limit screen time. However, in Aansh's case, extensive screen time is a necessity for his chess practice and training. To ensure he balances academics and chess effectively, his parents have adopted a structured approach.

"In today's digital age, we strongly advocate for allowing children to engage with computers. We've established a balanced approach for Aansh, where during non-tournament periods, he prioritises academics, and during tournaments, his focus shifts to chess.

"This proactive scheduling not only enhances his productivity but also allows him to derive enjoyment from his activities. Aansh's involvement in chess has notably contributed to his organisational skills and concentration, positively impacting his academic performance as well," said Ansh's parents Nandan Nerurkar and Gauri Nerurkar.

In addition to his academic and chess commitments, they encourage him to participate in physical activities regularly, such as cycling, walking, and jogging to help him stay physically and mentally fit. Aansh's interest in football and involvement with the West Mumbai Football Club further promote an active lifestyle.

As Aansh sets his sights on further accomplishments in chess, the young talent from Mumbai adds to the growing roster of rising stars in the sport from India. The burgeoning chess talent in the country continues to flourish, with Aansh emerging as a notable addition to this burgeoning pool of prodigious players in the board game.