Bathinda’s young chess talent, Tanishka, has made history by becoming the youngest female from Punjab to receive an international FIDE chess rating. At just 8 years and 4 months old, she earned this distinction during the National Under-9 Chess Tournament held in Gurugram last month.
The official FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) ratings were published in August as part of their regular monthly update.
Tanishka has now surpassed the previous record held by Tanvir Kaur Khinda, who earned her rating at just over nine years old.
To receive a FIDE rating, players must face at least five already-rated opponents, score a minimum of one point (a win or two draws), and meet the minimum rating threshold of 1400, as per updated FIDE guidelines.
According to her mother, Meenu Garg, Tanishka began learning chess at the age of four by accompanying her elder brother to his coaching sessions with local trainer Pankaj Shama. The coach soon recognized her natural aptitude and encouraged her to participate in formal tournaments.
By the age of six, Tanishka placed second in the Punjab State Under-9 Chess Championship. She also competed in the Senior Women’s Championship in Bathinda, where she scored 2 out of 5 points—an early indicator of her rising potential.
President of the Punjab State Chess Association, Ankush Kathuria, confirmed the achievement in an official post, stating:
“Tanishka has now become the youngest female player from Punjab to achieve a FIDE rating. This achievement is a testament to her dedication and her family’s unwavering support.”
He emphasized that Tanishka’s journey reflects how passion, discipline, and family support can help young talents achieve greatness.
Tanishka now trains under chess coaches Sourabh Arora and Deepak Batra, continuing her journey towards national and international success in the chess world.