Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 4: Thirteen-year-old Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Pratitee Bordoloi has etched her name in Indian chess history by winning the silver medal in the Girls Under-18 category at the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2026 held in Montesilvano, Italy.
The Bengaluru-based prodigy entered the tournament as the 16th seed with a FIDE rating of 2129 but stunned the field with an unbeaten performance, scoring nine points from 11 rounds against opponents up to five years older than her.
Pratitee emerged as India's only medallist at the championship, which featured 13 Indian players across six categories. Her remarkable run also earned her first Woman International Master (WIM) norm and a gain of more than 129 Elo rating points.
A student of Shishya BEML Public School, Pratitee's achievement reflects years of dedication both on and off the chessboard. Her coach, Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, praised her maturity, analytical thinking and resilience.
"Even when she is behind in a tournament, she plans her comeback well. She is also exceptionally good at mathematics and consistently excels in academics," Thipsay said.
Born on April 13, 2013, Pratitee shares her birthday with former world champion Garry Kasparov, who was born on April 13, 1963. Her coach noted similarities in her tactical approach, while emphasising that she possesses a unique style of play.
Pratitee's mother, Pranti Dutta Bordoloi, said her daughter's talent first became evident through her outstanding performances in Mathematics Olympiads before she took up chess seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Without extensive formal coaching in her early years, Pratitee won the Karnataka State Championship in 2022 and followed it up with the National Under-9 title later the same year.
Despite her rapid rise, her family has continued to prioritise academics alongside chess. Her mother, who holds a doctorate in Artificial Intelligence, said education remains equally important to ensure a balanced life.
Known for her logical approach, Pratitee enjoys studying complex endgames and often questions her coach until she fully understands every position. According to Thipsay, her ability to think independently is one of her greatest strengths.
Away from chess, she follows a disciplined routine that includes adequate sleep, cycling and physical exercise.
Asked recently about her future ambitions, the young chess star said she hopes to become a world champion but added that her immediate goal is simple: "I just want to play well."