Aarit Kapil becomes youngest Indian to earn International Master norm

Delhi’s 10-year-old chess prodigy Aarit Kapil has become the youngest Indian to secure an International Master (IM) norm after a final-round draw against Australia’s Samuel Asaka in an international tournament held in Menorca, Spain.

The achievement marks a major milestone in the young player’s rapidly rising career, with Aarit, aged 10 years and seven months, delivering a composed performance across rounds to seal the norm in one of the strongest results of his junior career so far.

Aarit began the tournament in impressive fashion, registering a notable victory over former world under-20 champion and Kazakh Grandmaster Nogerbek Kazybek in the second round. The win immediately put him in the spotlight and strengthened his norm chances early in the event.

One of his standout performances came against 12-year-old International Master Oro Faustino of Argentina, who is often referred to as the “Messi of Chess” in junior circuits. Aarit held his own in a closely contested game, earning a draw that further boosted his standing in the tournament.

Aarit required just half a point from his final three rounds to achieve the IM norm. However, after suffering two consecutive defeats, his chances briefly appeared uncertain. The young Indian, however, showed resilience in the final round, regrouping effectively to secure the crucial draw that confirmed his historic achievement.

With this result, Aarit joins an elite list of Indian chess prodigies making rapid strides on the global stage, following in the footsteps of players such as D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, who have all risen through the junior ranks to become leading figures in world chess.