At just seven years old, Pragnika Vaka Lakshmi has etched her name into India’s rapidly expanding chess history. The young prodigy stunned the global chess community by winning the Under-7 Girls title at the FIDE World Schools Chess Championship 2025 in Serbia her very first international tournament.
A Golden Phase for Indian Chess
Pragnika’s rise comes at a time when Indian chess is enjoying unprecedented success on the world stage. From Olympiad gold medals to historic world titles by players like Gukesh, Koneru Humpy, and Divya Deshmukh, India is firmly established as a global chess powerhouse.
While many champions emerge after years of international exposure, Pragnika’s triumph stands out for its sheer immediacy. Winning a world title in her first overseas competition was never part of the family’s expectations.
From Homeboard to Championship Podium
Pragnika’s chess journey began quietly at home in Surat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her parents introduced chess as an indoor activity for their elder daughter, Varenya, who soon became a state-level player. Young Pragnika initially watched her sister’s games from the sidelines.
Gradually, her interest became evident. Formal training under coach Vicky Chauhan began shortly after her fifth birthday. Within months, she won her first state-level title, revealing an uncommon grasp of the game for her age.
Temperament Beyond Her Years
According to her mother Praveena, Pragnika’s greatest strength lies in her mental toughness. Unlike many children her age, she handles pressure with remarkable calm and courage. This mental resilience would later prove crucial on the international stage.
The family eventually shifted focus entirely to chess, stepping away from skating due to safety concerns and time constraints. Chess became not just a sport, but a structured discipline shaping daily routines.
The Serbia Decision
Traveling to Serbia for the World Schools Championship was a leap of faith. The family had never attempted an international tournament before. It was coach Rohan Jhulka, who trains Pragnika through offline one-on-one sessions, who convinced them she was ready.
Preparation involved months of intense travel and practice. Every Sunday, Pragnika and her father would travel from Surat to Mumbai for competitive tournaments, often returning late at night before school days.
A Perfect Tournament Run
In Serbia, Pragnika delivered a flawless performance. She won all nine rounds, securing the championship with a game to spare. Even under mounting pressure, she remained composed, guided closely by her coach throughout the tournament.
Her victory was emotional, not just for the medal, but for the journey that led there. The moment she clinched the title, she walked straight to her coach a quiet gesture reflecting discipline and gratitude.
Life After Becoming World Champion
Returning home as a world champion brought new challenges. Expectations grew, and with them, pressure. A series of losses followed in subsequent tournaments, reminding the family that development matters more than constant victory.
Despite setbacks, her parents kept the focus on learning and participation rather than outcomes. Pragnika continues to attend school daily and trains three to four times a week, primarily through offline coaching.
Balancing Dreams and Reality
Originally from Andhra Pradesh and now settled in Gujarat, the family has made significant sacrifices. International chess is expensive, with overseas tournaments costing several lakh rupees. Scholarships from the Sports Authority of Gujarat provide some relief.
Between Pragnika and her elder sister, the family has already amassed over 230 trophies a testament to consistent grassroots effort rather than overnight success.
Looking Ahead
Despite the spotlight, the family remains cautious about long-term planning. They intend to observe Pragnika’s growth and interest over the next few years before considering higher-level international events.
For now, Pragnika remains what she truly is a seven-year-old who loves chess, dreams simply, and still feels more nervous meeting the Prime Minister than facing opponents across the board.
