At the age of 13 years, 4 months and 26 days, Magnus Carlsen became the youngest chess Grand Master (GM) in the world. The international press raved about the Norwegian prodigy. The Washington Post called him ‘the Mozart of Chess’. In our own backyard, young Sparsh Bist, at 4 years something, may just be a GM prodigy in the making. Sparsh is the youngest Chess player in the country to have taken part in competitive contests. He played his first State level competition in November 2013, at the age of three years and ten months! Since then he has played at two National level tourneys and has been a Runner Up once. At first glance he comes through as a ‘normal’ 4-year-old – sprightly and impatient. But the moment he picks up his chessboard, he is transformed. He exhibits maturity much beyond someone who has just seen 4 summers; he then has an almost adult-like demeanour. You marvel at how adroitly this bundle of energy handles and places those chess pieces. He begins to play like a man possessed. He has remembered to carry his watch, like a true professional. He is not only this City’s ‘Shatranj ka Khiladi’ – but ‘The Khiladi’.
FG caught up with him at his school, Amity International. “My dad taught me and he is my mentor. Every morning I practice with him for about an hour. My sister and I play chess during the vacations. It’s always fun to beat her,” he chuckles. Sparsh idolises his father, who takes great care to help his child hone his skills. The Under-9, held in Delhi, was the first tournament where he was the youngest participant. After that he has played at District and then at State level contests - where he was the first Runner Up in the Under-7 category. Just recently he participated at the National School Chess Championship, where he was placed Second. These achievements have boosted his confidence, though he probably understands little about dreams and disappointments at such a tender age. He has his heart set on the forthcoming Asian Chess Championship. It may take him a while to get there, given the abundance of Chess talent in India. But his confidence is infectious.
In school, Sparsh is the child that he ought to be. He loves Mathematics. “My favourite subject is Maths...I like numbers,” he says. What is his ambition? “I want to be like Spider-Man,” he says, much to our surprise and amusement. “I want to help people with my spider web,” he says with a twinkle in his eyes. Video games and cricket are his favourite pastimes (other then Chess, which of course is no more just a hobby). He loves Shahi Paneer. His father smiles indulgently, He is determined to guide his prodigal son to a national crown. He hopes his son would be able to acquire an International Norm. Indeed, followers of the game agree that, given Sparsh’s talent, that day may not be too far off. His teacher is very enthusiastic about Sparsh’s unique ability. “He is not only a fantastic Chess player, but he is academically brilliant as well. And, importantly, he is a good lad - he is always ready to help his friends in class,” she says. Principal Vishakha Chitnis states that “Sparsh is an asset to the Institution and we are really proud of him.” The School provides many opportunities to its students to showcase their talent, at a number of ‘events’ are held throughout the year. The School’s Chairperson, Dr. Amita Chauhan, is very particular about the students’ all-round development. She believes that the School should help in unearthing each child’s non-academic talents as well. “We want our kids to grow up as responsible citizens who are able to add value to society,” she says.
The game of Chess in India has made great strides ever since Manuel Aaron became the first Indian International Master (IM) over five decades ago, and GM Vishwanathan Anand became the World Junior Champion in 1987. Later, Anand went on to win the World Championship also. Reportedly India, along with France, has the distinction of sporting the maximum number of FIDE-rated players in the world. Meanwhile, Sparsh is strengthening his skills on the 64-squares at the Chess academy, in his quest to earn more laurels…and that International Norm.
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