Special Correspondent, Canada

In a stunning display of talent, 8-year-old Ashwath Kaushik has become the youngest player to defeat a grandmaster in classical chess. This historic victory came against GM Jacek Stopa of Poland at the Burgdorfer Stadthaus Open in Switzerland.

Ashwath, originally from India and now living in Singapore, began his chess journey at the age of four. His dedication and hard work, supported by his family and coaches, have led to this remarkable achievement.

Ashwath spends about two hours on weekdays and 6-7 hours on weekends honing his skills, balancing school and chess with incredible discipline. His father, Kaushik Sriram, highlights the crucial role of Ashwath’s coaches and the Singapore Chess Federation in his development.

Ashwath’s victory has garnered attention from major news outlets like CNN and BBC, marking a significant milestone in his promising chess career. His ultimate goal is to become a Super Grandmaster, known for his aggressive attacking style.

With the support of his family and the guidance of top coaches, Ashwath Kaushik is on a path to becoming a future star in the global chess arena.

This news is brought to you by:

By