Aruj Sahai Shines at the 14th National Schools Chess Championship
Aruj Sahai, a Grade 3 Sariska student at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, continues to demonstrate exceptional consistency, focus, and competitive maturity across the chess circuit. His performances reflect sustained effort, strategic clarity, and the confidence to compete across age categories.
Latest National Achievement
14th National Schools Chess Championship | Guwahati, Assam
Competing in the Under-9 Open category, Aruj scored 6/9 points, securing an overall rank of 22nd among 133 participants from across the country. He also emerged as the highest-ranked player from Haryana in his age category.
With this performance, Aruj is expected to receive his first FIDE classical rating, a significant milestone that marks his growing presence on the national chess stage.
Faridabad District Chess Championship – AFCA
Aruj competed across two age groups over consecutive days, delivering strong results against highly competitive fields:
- Under-11 Category | 5 April 2025
Scored 4 wins out of 6 games, finishing 5th among 37 players, earning a medal while playing in a higher age group. - Under-9 Category | 6 April 2025
Scored 4.5/6, finishing 4th out of 47 participants, securing another medal.
The awards were presented by Cabinet Minister Mr. Vipul Goyal.
Key Tournament Performances (2025)
- The Gambits Cup, Delhi | 30 November
Finished as U8 Champion, winning all 6 rounds in the Rapid category. - Late Shri R. N. Sood Memorial Inter-School Chess, Faridabad | 1 November
Secured 3rd position in the U9 category with a 4/5 score among 33 participants. - SRCA Halloween Special U8 Rapid | 26 October
Finished 4th, scoring 4/5 in a field of 28 players. - GSA Chess Festival U10 Rapid | 12 October
Finished 4th, winning 3 out of 4 games while competing in a higher age group. - C. S. Sharma Memorial U9 Chess | 5 October
Earned 2nd position, scoring 4/5 among 30+ participants. - SNS Wildcats Cup | 12 September
Finished 2nd in the U10 category, competing against players from all three Shiv Nadar School campuses.
State and National Pathway Performances
- SGFI State Championship | 8 November
Representing Faridabad district, Aruj’s team secured 2nd position at the Haryana State SGFI Championship. - SGFI District Championship (State Selection) | 21 August
Competing in the U11 category, Aruj scored 5/6, finishing among the Top 5 out of 65+ players, and qualified for the Haryana State SGFI Championship. - CBSE North Zone II Games | 13–15 August, Charkhi Dadri
Selected for the U11 SNS Faridabad chess team, Aruj delivered a strong 5.5/6 performance (5 wins, 1 draw). His contribution helped the team finish 5th among 24 schools across North Zone II.
Recent Achievement | January 2026
8th Open Rapid Chess Tournament | Faridabad | 11 January 2026
Organised by Divine Chess, this Open Rapid tournament saw participation across multiple age groups. Competing in the Under-9 category, Aruj Sahai delivered a confident and composed performance to secure 1st Prize in his age category. He was awarded a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1,100, further reinforcing his strong competitive form and continued upward trajectory in the chess circuit.
Aruj’s journey reflects discipline, resilience, and a genuine love for the game. We are proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing his chess journey grow from strength to strength.