Bhubaneswar: Four-year-old Elena Mishra of Odisha has created a remarkable milestone in the world of chess by becoming the youngest female player to hold an official FIDE rating.
Elena, aged just 4 years, 6 months and 16 days, has been awarded an official FIDE Blitz rating of 1432, according to the ratings published by the international chess governing body in September 2026.
She achieved the feat after participating in the Odisha State Blitz FIDE Rating Open Chess Championship 2026, organised at Mother’s Public School. Her performance in the tournament earned her a place on the official FIDE rating list at an exceptionally young age.
Elena’s achievement is particularly significant as she is currently the only female player born in 2022 or later to hold an official FIDE rating in any format.
Odisha Sports also highlighted the achievement in a post on X, stating, “She is currently the only female player born in 2022 or later to hold an official FIDE rating in any format.”
At an age when most children are only beginning to explore games and activities, Elena has already made her mark on the competitive chess circuit. Her achievement has brought attention to the growing popularity of chess in Odisha and underscores the emergence of promising young talent from the state.
Elena’s milestone is expected to inspire greater interest in chess among young children in Odisha and further strengthen the state’s growing presence on the national and international chess map.
