Singapore
In a stunning display of talent and skill, 8-year-old Ashwath Kaushik, hailing from Singapore and of Indian origin, has emerged victorious against 37-year-old Grandmaster Jacek Stopa of Poland, setting a new milestone in the world of classical chess.
The historic match took place during the Burgdorfer Stadthaus-Open held in Switzerland from February 16-18, 2024, where young Ashwath showcased his exceptional abilities by outmaneuvering the seasoned grandmaster. At the tender age of 8 years, 6 months, and 11 days, Ashwath’s remarkable achievement has garnered widespread acclaim, with many hailing him as a rising star in the chess world.
Reflecting on this groundbreaking victory, a chess journalist remarked, “8-year-olds are now beating grandmasters, here’s Ashwath shattering the record as the youngest ever. At some point soon I think we will see 10-year-olds achieving the GM title.” This triumph marks a significant milestone, surpassing the previous record held by Serbian prodigy Leonid Ivanovic.
Despite facing defeat in his subsequent match against 22-year-old English player Harry Grieve, Ashwath’s feat stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.
Born to Rohini Ramachandran and Sriram Kaushik, Ashwath is an Indian citizen who relocated to Singapore seven years ago. Representing Singapore on the international stage, Ashwath has become a source of pride and inspiration for chess enthusiasts worldwide.
In an interview with The Straits Times, Ashwath expressed his excitement and pride, stating, “It’s a very exciting feeling and amazing to be able to beat my first grandmaster on the board and it’s in classical [chess], so I feel very proud of myself.”
Describing his passion for the game, Ashwath revealed that he dedicates approximately 2 hours five days a week to chess practice, with extended sessions of 6-7 hours on weekends. Beyond chess, Ashwath enjoys engaging in leisure activities such as playing with Lego blocks, solving jigsaw puzzles, and embarking on outings to popular attractions like the Singapore Zoo and Universal Studios Singapore. Emphasizing the mental benefits of such activities, Ashwath emphasized, “[it] helps your brain get better and smarter, because in chess you need a lot of thinking to find the best moves.”
Ashwath’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the boundless potential of young minds and highlights the transformative power of dedication and perseverance in pursuit of excellence.
