Indian chess continues to witness the emergence of remarkable young talents, and the latest name to capture national attention is NS Liyaa Krishnan of Maharashtra. The seven-year-old prodigy delivered a flawless performance to win the 39th National Under-7 Girls Chess Championship, held in Nagpur from June 30 to July 4, 2026.
Competing against the country’s best young players, Liyaa produced a perfect score of 9 points from 9 games, finishing a commanding 1.5 points ahead of the rest of the field. Entering the tournament as the eighth seed with a FIDE rating of 1433, she exceeded expectations with a display of consistency, tactical sharpness, and maturity well beyond her years.
Final Standings – Top 3
| Rank | Player | State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NS Liyaa Krishnan | Maharashtra | 9/9 |
| 2 | Aaditri Majumdar | West Bengal | 7.5/9 |
| 3 | Rihanshi Munagala | Karnataka | 7.5/9 |
A Journey That Began at Home
Like many young chess players, Liyaa’s introduction to the game came through her family. Her grandfather first taught her the rules and basic concepts of chess, sparking an interest that quickly developed into a passion. As her understanding of the game grew, her older brother became a regular training partner, helping her sharpen her tactical skills and competitive instincts.
Recognising her natural aptitude for the game, the family decided to support her chess ambitions more seriously. Over time, Liyaa began competing regularly in rated events, steadily building experience and confidence against stronger opposition.
A Dominant Championship Performance
The National Under-7 Girls Championship featured a demanding nine-round Swiss format, testing not only chess ability but also concentration and endurance. Throughout the event, Liyaa displayed exceptional composure, navigating each challenge with confidence.
Her games were marked by accurate calculation and strong endgame technique. In several rounds, she converted small advantages into full points with impressive precision. By the end of Round 8, she stood alone at the top of the standings with a perfect score, setting up a decisive final-round encounter.
The championship concluded with a crucial clash against Myra Rathore of Punjab, one of the tournament’s leading contenders. Playing with the black pieces, Liyaa handled the pressure admirably. After entering a favourable endgame, she steadily increased her advantage, won material, and converted the position with confidence to complete a perfect 9/9 score.
In the process, she defeated multiple highly rated opponents and gained an impressive 67.2 FIDE rating points, further underlining the strength of her performance.
The Team Behind the Success
Behind every successful young player is a dedicated support system, and Liyaa’s journey is no exception. Family members have played a significant role in her development, providing both encouragement and practical support.
A particularly important figure has been her uncle, who dedicated considerable time to managing her chess activities and tournament preparation. Alongside her coaches, he helped create a structured training environment focused on tactical development, pattern recognition, and competitive practice.
One of the key elements of her preparation involved intensive puzzle training, including repeated tactical exercises designed to improve calculation speed and accuracy. Combined with regular online competition and participation in over-the-board tournaments, this approach helped build the confidence and discipline that were evident throughout the championship.
Looking Ahead
Liyaa’s triumph in Nagpur marks a significant milestone in her young chess career. A perfect score at a national championship is a rare achievement at any age, and accomplishing it in such convincing fashion highlights her potential for future success.
While many challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, her performance at the 39th National Under-7 Girls Chess Championship has established her as one of the most promising young talents in Indian chess. With continued development, strong support, and a clear passion for the game, NS Liyaa Krishnan’s chess journey is only just beginning.
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