Two Commonwealth Silvers and a State Crown: Abheek Bhatt Is Just Getting Started.

by Neelkanth M. Kagathara - 31/08/2026

He was six when he first touched a chessboard in Singapore and not long after, he walked away from it. A year and a half later, something pulled him back. That second beginning has since carried Abheek Bhatt from a first rating of 1439 to two Commonwealth silver medals and, most recently, the Maharashtra State Under-17 crown.

Born in Mumbai in September 2011, Abheek moved to Singapore at just six months old, and it was there at age six that his father first introduced him to chess. His interest faded early and he set the game aside. But around age eight, back in Mumbai, he rediscovered his love for it and began playing tournaments. That return marked the real start of his competitive journey.

Abheek Bhatt holding the glistening trophy at Commonwealth Chess Championship, 2026.

A Childhood on the Move

If one quality defines the 14-year-old, it's adaptability. His childhood has been a series of relocations Singapore until age seven, three years in Mumbai, three in Dubai, and two more back in Mumbai. New cities, schools, and chess circles each time. Rather than let the change unsettle him, Abheek learned to settle in quickly and keep improving wherever he landed that was a resilience that shows as clearly across the board as it does off it.

Abheek finished second place at the Commonwealth Chess Championship, 2026.

The First Milestone

His first standard rating, 1439, came in 2022 at the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival which was a milestone that gave him the confidence to compete internationally. Backed by strong family support, that confidence helped him build a more structured, focused approach to training and tournaments.

The Coaches Behind the Growth

Much of his early foundation was laid by first coach Vakil Akhtar, who trained him until 2021. He's currently guided by coach Visweswaran Kameswaran, GM Pravin Thipsay, and IM Jubin Jimmy who have deepened his understanding of the game, sharpened his preparation, and kept his progress steady.

Coach Visweswaran Kameswaran.

GM Pravin Thipsay.

IM Jubin Jimmy.

The Achievements So Far

First place, Dubai School Games — Under-11 (2022) and Under-13 (2024)
Second among Mumbai players, Open category, Aurionpro International Chess Tournament (June 2025)
Fourth place, Maharashtra State Selection Open (September 2025) — qualifying as one of four official players to represent Maharashtra at the National Open Chess Championship in Guntur
Two silver medals for India at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 in Sri Lanka (Under-16 Standard and Rapid)
Winner, Maharashtra State Under-17 Championship

Abheek emerging second among Mumbai players at Aurionpro International Chess Tournament, 2025.

Winner of the Maharashtra State Under-17 Championship.

The State Title, Up Close

The State Championship an eight-round classical event was held from 26 to 28 June at SVIS, Kandivali, Mumbai. Despite registering just two days before the start, Abheek entered as top seed and cruised to the title, holding the sole lead throughout and finishing on 7/8, including a crucial win over Kush Ajay Agrawal in the penultimate round.

The Family Behind Every Round

His father focuses on chess preparation strategizing before each round, analysing possibilities, and reviewing technical points so Abheek can play with clarity and confidence. His mother ensures he's physically and mentally ready, travelling with him to tournaments and looking after his rest, nutrition, and mindset.

What's Next

With a peak rating of 2198 and a current rating of 2118, Abheek's immediate goal is the FIDE Master (FM) title, which he aims to secure by crossing 2300.

"In the long run, I would like to become a super GM. In the short run, I want to keep improving at chess while maintaining a good balance between my chess journey and my academics." - Abheek Bhatt.