If you thought becoming a Grandmaster at just 13 was the peak of Raunak Sadhwani’s chess journey, think again. The Nagpur boy, one of India’s youngest GMs ever, is now battling a quieter but tougher fight: finding a full-time coach to sharpen his edge. In a sport where talent shines bright but costs can dim the spotlight, Raunak’s story shows the real grind behind the glory.
Raunak Sadhwani’s Rise To Chess
Raunak Sadhwani grabbed the GM title back in 2019, at 13 years, nine months, and 28 days old. That put him right up there with chess royalty like Gukesh Dommaraju and Praggnanandhaa, who hit the mark even younger. He recalls the pressure hitting hard during his first norm, but once he powered through, the rest felt natural. “I knew I belonged there,” he shared in an exclusive chat on the sidelines of the Global Chess League in Mumbai. No big fuss about the title, he just kept playing and earned it.
Fast-Forward To Today
Fast forward to today, and the 19-year-old stands at a solid 2638 Elo, though Raunak Sadhwani’s down from his peak of 2681 in January 2025. Ranked eighth among juniors, he’s not far from the top guns like Gukesh and Pragg. But the pandemic shook things up, halting travels to big tournaments and slowing some careers. Raunak admits he needs to bounce back after losing rating points in recent months. “I definitely have to improve more… win some tournaments and get my ELO back,” he says, eyes set on reclaiming that fire.
Struggles To Find A Coach
Despite his prodigy status, Raunak Sadhwani still lacks a full-time coach. Why? The price tag is steep, and sponsorships aren’t flowing in as they do for the elite. “It’s a big problem in the game. Even I still face this issue myself,” he reveals. Coaching fees tower over those in other sports, and without private backers, it’s tough to cover. Players often foot their own bills in chess’s evolving ecosystem, leaving talents like Raunak in a bind. He’s waiting for that one sponsor to step up and make dedicated training possible.
Right now, Raunak Sadhwani teams up with legends like five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand in the GCL, alongside stars like Javokhir Sindarov and Vincent Keymer. It’s a fun mix of experience and youth, and he knows his teammates well. The league serves as perfect prep for the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha, Qatar. “It will be very good to stay in the flow,” he notes, pitting rapid games here straight into the big event.
Read More
Raunak Sadhwani’s tale is pure chess drama, early highs, pandemic lows, and now this sponsorship scramble. Yet, his drive shines through. As he hunts for that full-time guide, fans watch closely. Will backing arrive in time for him to challenge the top? Only the board will tell. Stay tuned; this prodigy’s next move could be his biggest yet.
Also read: Meet Apoorv Kamble: India’s Latest Chess Sensation And International Masters
