Young Stars Shine: India Wins Gold at FIDE World Cup Cadets 2025

In a thrilling display of youthful brilliance, three young Indian talents stood atop the podium at the FIDE World Cup Cadets 2025 in Batumi, Georgia. Sarbartho Mani clinched the Under‑10 Open Gold, Divi Bijesh secured the Under‑10 Girls Gold, and Pratitee Bordoloi triumphed in the Under‑12 Girls category, marking a golden weekend for Indian chess.Sarbartho Mani: Calm and CollectedIn the fiercely contested Under-10 Open category, India’s own Sarbartho Mani faced off against compatriot Oishik Mondal in a gripping classical showdown, as reported by chessbase.in. Both games ended in draws, but Sarbartho’s clarity under pressure shone through as he swept the rapid tiebreaks 2–0 to crown himself champion, with Oishik taking silver. In a strong performance, CM Aarit Kapil claimed the bronze by defeating Kazakhstan's Iman Nabiyev twice. Sarbartho’s win beautifully illustrated the depth of talent in India’s junior circuit and the mental fortitude needed to prevail in high-pressure situations.Divi Bijesh DominanceIndia’s dominance continued in the girls’ Under‑10 category with WCM Divi Bijesh delivering a perfect performance. She defeated China's WCM Zhihan Chen in both classical games, showcasing strategic strength and precision, and secured gold. Fellow Indian WCM Sharvaanica A S claimed bronze in the same category by winning both her gamesfide.com games. Divi’s victory echoes her earlier success in 2025, including rapid and blitz titles, establishing her as one of India’s most promising young chess stars. Pratitee Bordoloi: Rising Star in Under-12 GirlsContinuing India’s winning streak, WCM Pratitee Bordoloi dominated the Under‑12 Girls division. She bested compatriot Aadya Gowda twice in the classical matches to claim her gold medal, leaving Aadya with the silver. Pratitee has had an impressive journey, having previously won multiple medals at continental and global cadet events, confirming her growing status on the international stage.A National TriumphIndia’s cadet talents secured seven medals out of eight possible in Stage 2 of the championships: three golds, two silvers, and two bronzes. This exceptional win reaffirms India's depth and promise in youth chess. Behind each strategic move lies years of practice, sacrifice, and unwavering support. Sarbartho’s steel nerves in tiebreaks, Divi’s consistent performance following rapid and blitz titles, and Pratitee’s evolution from a continental contender to World Cup champion showcase more than just talent; they are stories of dedication. Parents, coaches, and local chess clubs have played crucial roles, creating nurturing environments for these young minds to flourish and dream beyond boundaries.India's Bright Chess FutureThe performance in Batumi not only earned medals but also signaled a hopeful future for Indian chess. With systematic training, supportive ecosystems, and exposure to global competition, India's next generation of grandmasters is already taking shape. Events like the World Cup Cadets offer not just trophies but transformative experiences that shape character, sportsmanship, and resilience. As Sarbartho, Divi, and Pratitee return home with gold in hand and stories in their hearts, they inspire countless others—demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and community support, even the youngest can leave a mark on the world stage.