Nikhil Kumar chess

Nikhil Kumar, a 12-year-old Indian American boy, an eighth grader from Ransom Everglades School in Miami, took home top honors at the World Cadets Chess Championship in the Republic of Georgia. During the tournament conducted from Oct. 18 through Oct. 31, Kumar won eight matches.

“Becoming the world chess champion seemed like a dream just a few months ago but hard work made this dream become a reality,” Kumar said in a school news release. “When I was at the podium and the national anthem was played, I felt that I represented the country and Team USA well.”

“We were thrilled to hear of Nikhil’s success in the chess world championships,” head of the middle school Rachel Rodriguez said in a statement after Kumar has returned to the U.S. on Oct. 31. “He is talented and hard-working, and has represented Ransom Everglades with class and dignity. We are proud to welcome him back to our campus today.”

Nikhil has beat some of the world’s best, including No. 1 Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of India, who had at 10 became the youngest person ever to claim the title of chess International Master and Andrew Hong, who is the No. 1 ranked U-12 player in the U.S.

By Premji