Chess prodigy Jaivardhan Raj is only 10 years old, but he has the world at his feet and is currently ranked 1st amongst the Under 11 and 12 in India and sixth in the world in the Under 11 category. He recently obtained the title of Candidate Master by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) and has begun his journey to becoming a Grandmaster. 
 
In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Jaivardhan Raj speaks about being introduced to chess, memorable accomplishments, becoming Candidate Master, balancing studies and sports, his favourite players and future goals.
 
Q 1) At what age did you start playing chess and who introduced you to the sport? When did you realise that you might be a chess prodigy?
 
I was introduced to chess in preschool by my parents. Applying the strategies, sacrificing the pieces and the tactics made me garner interest towards the sport. Once I was taken to a local tournament by my father and I had to be consoled in a match as I wanted to win five moves ahead. He took me back while encouraging me to play on and I won that game just like I wanted to, which made my parents realise I was doing well for my age. Since then I started playing chess with the guidance of a coach.
 
Q 2) Despite being just 10 years old you have already achieved a number of accolades so far. Which one is the most special for you amongst them and why?
 
Winning two Silvers and one Bronze at the Western Asian event in Uzbekistan has been one of the most memorable moments in my career. I was 7 years old, playing in a higher category of age 8 and felt proud when I was draped with the national flag.
 
Q 3) You recently obtained the title of Candidate Master by FIDE, do you believe that one day you can become a Grandmaster?
 
I’m currently taking it step by step rather than seeing what lies in the future as my parents, my teachers and my school have supported me a lot in this journey and with their support I think I will become a Grandmaster soon.
 
Also read: Godlike is the best esports organisation in India – ZGOD

Q 4) How do you balance your studies and chess since you are already competing at a very high level at your age?
 
With online classes it has become easier to practice as I have classes till 12 and after that I begin to practice. As for assignments and homework, I usually do it in my free time. My school has always been very supportive as they have given me half days or even holidays when I was participating in some tournaments.

Q 5) Who are some of the chess players that you look up to and why? Are you inspired by Abhimanyu Mishra who became the youngest person to qualify as a Grandmaster?
 
I never compare myself to anybody as such. I'm sure I might have been CM (Candidate Master) much earlier but due to COVID-19 all the tournaments were stopped. I take inspiration from every IM (International Master), FM (FIDE Master), GM (Grandmaster) and CM (Candidate Master) who bursts onto the scene. My favourite players are Michael Adams and Akiba Rubinstein.
 
Q 6) What do you hope to achieve in the future? How are you working towards your goal?
 
My goal is to become a Grandmaster and eventually I want to be the World Champion. I'm working 7 to 8 hours every day to reach that level. I just want to become a very strong player. I want to cross the rating of 3000 which no one has ever managed to do.