In the vibrant chess community of Singapore, a young boy named Aurik has turned a simple introduction to chess into a journey of passion and growth. Together with his mother, Rupa, they share how this timeless game became a central part of their lives—shaping Aurik’s skills, mindset, and dreams.
The Spark That Started It All
Aurik’s chess journey began when he was seven, introduced to the game by his father. While he wasn’t particularly interested at first, everything changed when he started using ChessKid, a platform designed for young learners. “It made chess fun and easy to understand,” says Rupa, recalling how Aurik’s interest grew steadily. Before long, chess became his favorite hobby.
Small Wins, Big Dreams
After just a year of focused learning, Aurik achieved his first big milestone: a FIDE rating of 1521. One of his most memorable moments was defeating a higher-rated opponent in a tough match. “He was so excited,” Rupa shares, “It was a big confidence boost and validation for all the effort he had put in.”
Participating in tournaments, like those at Oasia Hotel, has fueled Aurik’s competitive spirit. Scoring wins against rated players has strengthened his resolve as he now prepares for the KCFi 25th Edition tournament, hoping to improve his classical rating.
Inspired by the Greats
The World Chess Championship happening in Singapore has brought a wave of excitement for Aurik. He looks up to Gukesh, one of the youngest talents in chess today, and finds motivation in his achievements. Aurik also spends time studying games of legends like Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian. “He learns a lot from analyzing their strategies,” Rupa explains, noting how these games inspire him to think creatively.
Online Learning: A Game Changer
Online chess classes have been key to Aurik’s progress. The flexibility they offer allows him to attend lessons after school without needing to travel. “It’s very convenient,” says Rupa. The personalized coaching he receives helps him analyze his games and fine-tune his strategies.
Aurik’s routine includes two weekly classes, along with time spent practicing moves from recommended books and using flashcards to reinforce strategies. “He’s very disciplined about it,” Rupa says with a smile.
A Growing Chess Community
As Aurik’s love for chess deepened, so did his connection to the local chess community. Signing up for his first tournament opened doors to more events and friendships with fellow players. “It’s such a supportive environment,” Rupa says, noting how the Singapore Chess Federation has been instrumental in keeping them informed about competitions.
Skills Beyond the Board
Chess has had a positive impact on Aurik beyond the game. Rupa has seen improvements in his focus, patience, and problem-solving abilities. “It’s amazing how much it’s helped him academically, especially in subjects like math,” she says. The strategic thinking he’s developed has made him more confident and resilient in different areas of life.
Looking Ahead
With every tournament, Aurik grows more confident and determined to chase his dream of becoming a Grandmaster. “It’s been incredible to watch him grow through chess,” Rupa reflects, “and we’re excited to see where this journey takes him.”
