7-Year-Old Agraarth Mishra to Represent India at FIDE World Cup 2025

UP’s youngest chess talent makes historic entry into World Cup Under-8 in Georgia

Anand Yadav 2 weeks agoLast Updated: June 9, 2025

6,956 3 minutes read

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Reviewed & Published by HH Sports Desk

It’s official — Agraarth Mishra, just 7 years old and already a name buzzing in Indian chess circles, will represent India in the FIDE World Cup 2025 (Under-8 category), set to be held in Batumi, Georgia. The tournament, which is as exclusive as it gets for young talent, features only 48 players worldwide, and Agraarth is now on that list — possibly the first ever from Uttar Pradesh in this age bracket to achieve this.

National Glory Sparks Global Opportunity

The selection comes off the back of a solid run in national circuits, where Agraarth took 9th place finish at the National Schools Chess Championship (Under-7) in Patna — a performance that didn’t just put him among the best in India, but also made him the highest-ranked player from Uttar Pradesh in the tournament.

Not long after, he followed it up with a 6th place at the National Under-7 Championship 2024 in Mysore. In a format as unpredictable as youth chess, consistency like this isn’t common — especially not for a seven-year-old who routinely plays against opponents two or three years older.

Wrecking Scoreboards Across UP

Back in his home state, Agraarth has quietly — and now, not so quietly — dominated just about every major age-group competition this year. He won the State Under-9 Open in Bijnor, and the Under-7 title in Ghaziabad. Add to that his win at the District Under-9 Open in Lucknow, and it becomes clear this isn’t a flash-in-the-pan story.

He even went toe-to-toe with older opponents, finishing 1st runner-up in the District Under-11 event, and placing 8th in the Awadh Mahotsav Senior Open District Selection Tournament — a mixed-age event where most kids his age wouldn’t even dream of qualifying.

Cracking the International Chess Grid

2024 has been the year where Agraarth stepped onto the international stage. He began by opening his FIDE rating at the 2nd Matrix Cup in Delhi. Just weeks later, he placed 3rd in the Under-8 category at the 1st Skill Craft Delhi, pocketing ₹6,000 in prize money.

December saw him take on a packed field in the Gopal Krishna Memorial Open in Kanpur, where he held his own and finished 33rd overall, claiming another ₹5,000 — against adults, mind you.

But it wasn’t just about wins and money — these performances put him on the radar. Not just of scouts and officials, but of Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh, who selected Agraarth for his elite chess training program — a stepping stone that’s helped shape India’s best young players for years.

A Rare Invitation from the Top Table

Getting into the FIDE World Cup Under-8 isn’t just about winning. The entry criteria include a mix of medal winners from previous championships, top performers in national events, and a few discretionary slots distributed by FIDE, continental federations, and organizers.

As per the FIDE nomination structure, the field is fiercely limited: just 48 kids worldwide make it to the event — and only a few from each country. According to coaches familiar with the selection, Agraarth made the cut based on his performance at Mysore Nationals, and his inclusion through the Indian federation’s nominated slots.

And so, he’s Georgia-bound, to play in one of the toughest age-group chess events on the planet — under the same global federation that governs World Championship matches.

What This Means for UP, and for India

This isn’t just another tournament. For Uttar Pradesh, this is huge. In a state still finding its footing on India’s competitive chess map, Agraarth’s breakthrough is nothing short of historic. According to local chess organizers, this may be the first time UP has had a representative at the FIDE World Cup Under-8, putting the region on par with traditional chess hubs like Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra — at least when it comes to raw talent.

And for India, it’s a sign that the next wave of champions isn’t just coming — they’re already here. At 7, Agraarth’s board presence, tactical maturity, and calm under pressure are things you can’t teach. You can only recognize it and nurture it.

What’s Next?

As the tournament in Batumi approaches, the focus now shifts to preparation — long hours of analysis, rapid-game simulations, and a deep study of unfamiliar openings. His training under GM R.B. Ramesh, known for shaping chess stars like Praggnanandhaa, will play a critical role.

There’s no media glare yet. No sponsors flashing logos. Just a boy, a board, and 64 squares he knows like the back of his hand.

But make no mistake — when Agraarth Mishra sits down in Georgia this June, he won’t just be representing India. He’ll be carrying the dreams of a state, a system, and a generation of young Indian players who are no longer waiting for permission to dream big.

Source: Verified inputs from Agraarth Mishra’s official records, tournament data (2023–2024), and statements from the coaching team and state-level chess coordinators.

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Author Profile

Anand Yadav

Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald

Anand Yadav is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, with a daily focus on delivering engaging sports news and analysis. Currently studying at Lucknow University, Anand is passionate about sports journalism and committed to providing well-researched insights into game dynamics, player performances, and the broader impact of sports. He consistently strives to keep our audience informed and entertained with his coverage.