Fifteen-year-old Vandan Alankar Sawai, a Class X student from Delhi, defeated former world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in an online blitz chess tournament on August 18. Vandan played four games in the tournament, winning three, including the game against Carlsen. He had returned from a six-week trip to Europe two days earlier.
According to the Times of India, Vandan was still dealing with jet lag when he participated in the tournament. After completing his four games, he went to bed without immediately telling his parents that he had played Carlsen.
Father found the result later
Vandan’s father, Alankar Sawai, a former banker, later checked his son’s Chess.com profile and found the game against Carlsen. He then asked Vandan about the result. The teenager confirmed that he had played against Carlsen and won.
As reported that Vandan’s mother, Dr Madhuri Alankar Sawai, said her son had simply informed the family that he had finished his four rounds. The significance of the result became clear to the family only after his father checked the games.
Vandan himself was initially unsure whether the result had come because of an error by Carlsen. He reportedly considered the possibility of a “mouse slip”, referring to an accidental online move.
His school friends also learnt about the result the following day. According to TOI, some of them initially did not believe that Vandan had defeated Carlsen. Vandan subsequently shared screenshots of the game with them.
The 50-move game
Vandan played with the white pieces and opened with e4. Carlsen replied with e5. The game developed through a Giuoco Piano variation.
The game remained competitive during its early stages. The Times of India reported that a key moment came around the 26th move, when Vandan’s bishop put Carlsen’s king under attack. Carlsen moved his king rather than taking the bishop, after which Vandan gained material. Vandan continued the game and eventually won after 50 moves. Carlsen had a rating of 2,823 for the game, while Vandan was a Candidate Master with a FIDE classical rating of 2,288, as reported
He was initially reluctant to play
Vandan had not originally planned to participate in the tournament. His mother told the Times of India that she encouraged him to play after his return from Europe. He also did not inform his coach beforehand that he was taking part.
The tournament was organised online through Chess.com. According to the earlier TOI report, titled players participate in the platform’s events, where Carlsen also plays.
Vandan played his usual opening approach in the game rather than making specific changes because his opponent was Carlsen.
Started playing chess at eight
Vandan began playing chess when he was eight years old. According to the Times of India, his mother introduced him to the game after learning it from her brother.
He initially developed an interest in chess puzzles and later began participating in competitive chess.
Vandan has trained with FIDE Master Gurpreet Pal Singh and International Master Kushager Krishnater, according to the newspaper.
The Delhi report also stated that Vandan is a class topper. He has not yet decided whether he wants to pursue chess professionally, although he has set his sights on becoming an International Master. After the victory, Vandan’s family planned a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The family also planned to undertake sewa during the visit.
The family’s plans followed the online victory and the attention it received after details of the game became known.
Ambedkarite background
Vandan is being identified by his family and community as an Ambedkarite student. His achievement has subsequently been discussed within the Ambedkarite community in the context of education and academic development.
The details reported about Vandan’s academic record, chess training and family support form part of his background as he continues his schooling alongside competitive chess. His victory over Carlsen came in an online blitz game, while Vandan continues to compete and train as a young chess player.
From school and puzzles to international competition
Vandan’s chess journey began with learning the game at eight and solving chess puzzles before moving into competitive play. He has since obtained the Candidate Master title and reached a FIDE classical rating of 2,288, according to the Times of India.
The August 18 game against Carlsen was one of four games Vandan played that night. He won three of them and only later discussed the Carlsen game with his family.
His immediate response after completing the tournament was to go to sleep. As his mother told the Times of India, the family’s reaction came only after his father examined the games on Vandan’s Chess.com account and realised that one of his opponents had been Magnus Carlsen.
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