Nagpur: At just 11, Nagpur’s Ved Phaur has made the country proud by winning a bronze medal at the 13th IBCA World Junior Chess Championship for the blind and visually impaired, held at Hersonissos in Crete, Greece.
Representing India on the international stage, Ved accumulated 6.5 points from nine rounds in the Swiss-format tournament, finishing third against a field of 17 competitors. Poland’s Michal Racis clinched the gold medal with 7.5 points, while Sweden’s William Johansson secured silver with an identical score.
Ved’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as he entered the competition as the 12th seed, with a rating of 1,700, according to chessbase.in. His podium finish reflects his determination, competitive spirit and growing stature in the world of visually impaired chess.
The young player had already demonstrated his potential at the Super Heroes Cup in March. He defeated Darshan Kshirsagar in the round of 16 before putting up a strong fight against Darpan Inani in the quarter-finals.
Ved’s progress has been shaped by a dedicated coaching team. He receives guidance from Jitendra Thakre at Chanakya Chess Academy and also trains at Chess Pathshala Academy under Grandmaster Swapnil Dhopade. Shubham Lakudkar serves as his full-time trainer.
The HelpChess Foundation has also supported Ved in his chess journey, helping nurture his talent and competitive ambitions.
Ved’s international medal is a proud moment for Nagpur and a significant milestone for the young chess player, whose performance has demonstrated that age and visual impairment are no barriers to competing successfully at the highest level.
