My Biography

I am Rishi Vijayan, born on 23 January 2011. My journey as a learner and a competitor began long before I stepped into the world of chess. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had already learnt drawing, singing, keyboard, Chenda Melam, Karate, and Silambam. I continue to practice the keyboard at home even today.

In 2018, I completed my Arangettam in Chenda, a milestone for any young percussionist. In 2019, I had the honour of participating in a Guinness World Record event for Chenda Melam, an unforgettable experience that shaped my confidence.

Academically, I have always been strong. I have received numerous medals in Mathematics and English, along with multiple certificates and medals in Bhagavad Gita competitions, recitation contests, and handwriting competitions. A highlight of my early academic journey was securing All India Rank 1 in the Procom Maths Olympiad 2018.

My Chess Journey

I was introduced to chess by my mother, Sudha Vijayan, in 2019 when I was 8 years old. What began as a fun pastime with my uncles soon grew into something far more meaningful.

On 27 April 2020, I created my first online chess account with a 900 rapid rating. I improved gradually, playing casually for a few years.

My breakthrough came in August 2024, when I touched 1300 rapid on Chess.com. That achievement inspired me to take chess seriously.

In November 2024, I joined a chess academy and began structured training. By May 2025, my online rapid rating had climbed to 1900, and I was pushing toward 2000.

I played my first OTB tournament in July 2025, earning an initial FIDE rating of 1450. My second classical event in October 2025 placed me at 1460 FIDE.

Click here to view my FIDE profile

On October 5, 2025, I paused competitive chess to focus fully on my Class 10 Board Exams, following my parents’ advice. I didn’t expect to play any tournaments until March 2026.

But on November 12, 2025, I returned briefly for my school’s intra-school chess tournament, finishing second with an unbeaten run — a perfect final performance before the long break.

I will resume serious chess training on March 7, 2026, after my board exams. Between March 7 and June 1, I will be able to dedicate six hours daily to training and will compete in three classical OTB tournaments, including the State Championship.

My goals are ambitious and clear:

• Achieve 1600 FIDE by June 2026.

• Reach 2000 FIDE by the end of 2026.

Chess, academics, music, and traditional arts have all shaped who I am today — and I’m excited for everything that lies ahead.

TotalChessWisdom