Indian chess prodigy WFM Pratitee Bordoloi delivered one of the finest performances of her young career by securing the silver medal in the Under-18 Girls category at the FIDE World Youth Championship 2026. Competing against players several years older than herself, the 12-year-old showcased exceptional maturity and consistency to finish among the world’s best young chess talents.
Pratitee remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, scoring an impressive 9 points from 11 rounds. Her remarkable run earned India a silver medal in one of the strongest sections of the championship and further established her as one of the country’s brightest chess prospects.
The gold medal was won by WFM Valeria Kleymenova (Russia), who finished with 10/11, while WIM Qinxuanyi Wang (China) claimed the bronze medal with 8/11.
One of the highlights of Pratitee’s campaign was her ability to hold her own against elite opposition. She recorded important draws against eventual champion Valeria Kleymenova and bronze medallist Qinxuanyi Wang, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure. Throughout the event, Pratitee displayed excellent opening preparation, tactical sharpness, and endgame precision against a highly competitive international field.
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Her outstanding performance also earned her a Women’s International Master (WIM) norm, marking another significant milestone in her rapidly progressing chess career. In addition, she gained valuable Elo rating points, reflecting the strength of her performance against higher-rated opponents.
Final Standings – Under-18 Girls
Position | Player | Federation | Score |
🥇 Gold | WFM Valeria Kleymenova | Russia | 10/11 |
🥈 Silver | WFM Pratitee Bordoloi | India | 9/11 |
🥉 Bronze | WIM Qinxuanyi Wang | China | 8/11 |
Pratitee Bordoloi’s silver medal is another milestone in India’s growing dominance in youth chess. Competing in an age group well above her own and remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament highlights her exceptional talent, determination, and potential. With performances like these, Pratitee continues to strengthen her reputation as one of India’s most promising future stars in international chess.
BY PURVI SEHRAWAT
