Eleven-year-old Indian prodigy Charvi Anilkumar has created history by crossing the 2300 FIDE Elo rating, a feat so rare that only one girl in the world, the legendary Judit Polgar, has achieved it at a younger age. For a child so young, stepping into this elite category is nothing short of phenomenal. With this rating, Charvi has established herself as not only the No. 1 girl under 11 in the world but also the highest-rated Indian player under 11 across both genders. Her achievement is a moment of pride for Indian chess and a testament to what discipline, hard work, and passion can build at a young age.

A Promise Made in Chennai and a Promise Fulfilled

Charvi’s story becomes even more inspiring when we look back to 2022, when an eight-year-old Charvi met her idol, Judit Polgar, at the Chennai Olympiad. Standing in front of the greatest woman chess player of all time, Charvi made a promise—a promise that she would play many open tournaments, face stronger opponents, and consistently challenge herself on bigger stages. Today, three years later, she is doing exactly that.

What Is the Elo Rating in Chess?

The Elo rating is a number that shows how strong a chess player is. Every player starts with a basic rating, and it goes up when they win games and goes down when they lose. The more strong players you defeat, the faster your rating increases. In simple words, Elo is like a score that tells the world how good you are at chess. For example, beginners may have ratings around 800–1000, while strong players go above 2000. Crossing 2300 Elo means a player is extremely talented and close to becoming a master-level chess player.

Crossing 2300: A Feat Backed by Strong Performances

Charvi’s rise is not an overnight miracle; it is built on consistent, high-quality performances across international events. Her rating climbed sharply thanks to her fearless approach and strong wins against experienced Grandmasters. She recently achieved her first WIM norm at the XXII Open International Gran Hotel Bali 2025, scoring 5/9 and even defeating GM Keith Arkell, a seasoned and respected Grandmaster. Her live rating now stands at 2321.6, reflecting not just talent but maturity in handling long-format classical games.

The Young Queen of World Chess Under 11

With her latest rating jump, Charvi has regained the World No. 1 ranking among girls under 11, overtaking Kazakhstan’s Alanna Berikkyzy. Not only that, but she is also the top-ranked Indian 11-year-old—boys and girls combined. This makes her one of India’s brightest hopes for future world titles. Her maturity on the board, calculated thinking, fearless attacks, and deep understanding of position have made coaches, analysts, and fans believe that India may be witnessing the rise of a future world-beater.

A Child With National Recognition and Global Ambition

Charvi is not new to recognition. Earlier this year, she received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honour for children, awarded by President Droupadi Murmu. This honour is given only to children who display exceptional talent and contribute significantly in their fields. For Charvi, it was a reminder that the nation stands behind her, cheering her on every step of the way. But Charvi’s ambitions go beyond awards. Her eyes are set on bigger dreams to  become a Woman Grandmaster, then a Grandmaster, and perhaps one day, a world champion. With every move she plays, she seems to get closer to this future.

A Future That Shines Bright

Charvi’s story is still at its beginning. At 11, achieving what many players take decades to reach, she has already set global benchmarks. Her path ahead is long, challenging, and full of opportunities. If her current momentum continues, India may soon witness one of the youngest WIMs, WGMs, and possibly even one of the youngest Grandmasters the world has ever seen. Her journey reminds us of the magical combination of passion and perseverance. It tells us that age is never a barrier when dreams are nurtured with dedication. Charvi Anilkumar is not just a rising chess star; she is a symbol of India’s growing dominance in world chess and an inspiration for every young mind who dares to dream big.