Gujarat’s young world champion Pragnika Vaka has made history in the under-7 girls’ category at the 2025 FIDE World School Championship in Serbia. The 7-year-old from Surat dominated the competition with a flawless score of 9/9, securing India’s only gold medal in the tournament.
Pragnika’s Perfect Victory in Serbia
Pragnika outplayed competitors from chess powerhouses like Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. She sealed her victory in the eighth round by defeating India’s U-7 national champion, Shreyanshi Jain, in just 22 moves. “She ran to hug her coach after winning,” said her father, Ramanadh.
India won two other medals—silver in the U-7 open (Om Esh Gottumukala) and U-11 girls’ (Bijesh Divi) categories. Pragnika’s win stands out as the country’s sole gold.
From Watching Her Sister to World Domination
Pragnika’s chess journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. She picked up the game by observing her elder sister, Varenya, a state-level player. “Within a year and a half, she achieved international success,” Ramanadh shared.
Despite Varenya’s strong performances at the district and state levels, Pragnika surpassed her by clinching national and now global glory. “Her rapid rise surprises me,” her father admitted.
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Training Under Pressure
To prepare the world champion Pragnika Vaka for high-stakes matches, Ramanadh exposed her to competitive open-category games in Mumbai. “Playing against older boys helped her handle pressure,” he explained. This strategy paid off as Pragnika remained calm during critical moments in Serbia.
What’s Next for the Young Champion?
With her first international title secured, Pragnika aims for more milestones. Chess experts praise her tactical precision and focus at such a young age. Her story inspires budding players across India.
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