Only 14-year-old, Nihal Sarin has touched such summit in life that people can’t even dream at his age. After attaining his third and final norm in the Abu Dhabi Master, Nihal Sarin achieved the feat of becoming India’s 53rd Grandmaster.
In the tournament that took place from August 7 to August 15, Nihal scored 5.5 points in nine rounds with four wins, three draws, and two losses.
Nihal who is now relived after winning the title said, “Sometimes due to these norm issues, it is scary to experiment. I am relieved that this part of my chess life is done and dusted.”
Post the win, Nihal became the 12th youngest Grandmaster in chess history. Earlier this year, Nihal achieved the milestone of becoming World No. 1 chess player in Under-14 category.
Humbled and ecstatic at his grand achievement, Nihal took to Facebook to thank everyone who contributed to his success. He wrote, “I have been told that this is a nice opportunity to remember and thank the people who stand by me now and in the future. Of course, whatever I have received, it would not have happened if not for Tata Trusts who have been supporting me financially until now.”
He added, “It is difficult to find a sponsor when you have nothing apart from a few World and National Youth titles to show. They wanted to make sure that I reach a position where other sponsors can see value in contributing and they have brought me this far. Thank you.”
Thanking his gurus and family, Nihal wrote, “I thank each of the trainers from the time I learned to move the pieces: Mathew Pottore, Mr. M.B. Muralidharan, Prof. N.R. Anil Kumar, Mr. C.T. Pathrose & Mr. K.K. Manikantan. The person who taught me chess and then taught me how to study chess — Nirmal Sagar. And then Komarov Dimitri who made me realize how little I know about chess, and Srinath Narayanan for being that friend with whom I can discuss positions, openings, endings, studies, (and other stuff :p ) anytime!”
“Finally, my parents Sarin Abdul Salam and Shijin AU, my grandparents, and my little sister — thank you for everything.”
