Meet 5-Year-Old Jiaana Garg, The Youngest Chess Champion with a FIDE Rating

Jiaana Garg, an extraordinary 5-year-old, has etched her name in the annals of chess history by obtaining an international FIDE (World Chess Federation) rating. She is the youngest female player globally to earn this honor, debuting with an impressive rating of 1558 on May 1, 2024

Introducing Jiaana Garg, A Prodigy in the Making
Jiaana’s achievement is nothing short of phenomenal. At such a tender age, she has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and discipline. Starting her chess journey at 4.5 years old, Jiaana quickly captivated the attention of her mentor, Naveen Bansal, Vice President of the Chandigarh Chess Association.

Initially hesitant to take on such a young student, Bansal shared with Punjab News Express, “At first, I refused to start with her as we typically don’t accept children under the age of 5. However, her mother sent a video that showcased her discipline and focus.” Within months, Jiaana advanced to the highest training group. Bansal was amazed by her swift progress and dedication, remarking, “By observing her keen grasp and dedication, we decided to place her in our most advanced batch. To our surprise, she began engaging on par with much older, rated peers.”

Bansal also highlighted the crucial role of Jiaana’s mother, Priyanka Garg, in her development. “The role of her mother has been remarkable. Without the active involvement of a parent, no coach can elevate a child of her age to a world-class level. It is a synergy between the parent, coach, and child,” he noted.

Jiaana Garg’s Chess Achievements
Jiaana has already participated in several prestigious tournaments, such as the Matrix Cup International Open FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2024, the National Under-11 Girls Chess Championship 2023, the 1st Matrix Cup International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2023, and the 1st Late Shri Dhiraj Singh Raghuvanshi Memorial Open FIDE Rating Tournament 2023. Her achievements are a testament to her passion, diligence, and the expert guidance she has received. As she continues her chess journey, Jiaana inspires enthusiasts around the world, proving that age is no barrier to excellence in this game of strategy and intellect.