Bhubaneswar: Four-year-old Elena Mishra of Odisha has created a remarkable milestone in the world of chess by becoming the youngest female player to hold an official rating from the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Elena, aged just 4 years, 6 months and 16 days, has secured an official FIDE Blitz rating of 1432, according to the rating list published by the international chess governing body in September 2026.
She achieved the feat after competing in the Odisha State Blitz FIDE Rating Open Chess Championship 2026, organised at Mother’s Public School in Bhubaneswar. Her performance in the tournament earned her a place on the official FIDE rating list at an exceptionally young age.
Elena’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as she is currently the only female player born in 2022 or later to hold an official FIDE rating in any format.
Odisha Sports also highlighted the young chess player’s achievement in a post on X, stating that Elena is currently the only female player born in 2022 or later to have an official FIDE rating.
#Odisha’s Elena Mishra, aged just 4 years, 6 months and 16 days, becomes the youngest female player to hold an official FIDE rating, with a Blitz rating of 1432, as published by FIDE in September 2026.
She achieved this feat at the Odisha State Blitz FIDE Rating Open Chess… pic.twitter.com/fzMEdc4vFi
— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) September 2, 2026
At an age when most children are only beginning to explore games and develop their interests, Elena has already entered the competitive chess circuit and achieved recognition at the international level.
Her accomplishment has brought renewed attention to the growing popularity of chess in Odisha and the emergence of promising young talent from the state. The achievement also highlights the increasing participation of children in organised chess tournaments and rating events.
Congratulating Elena on her achievement, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised the young chess player for making her mark at such an early age.
Heartiest congratulations to 4-year-old Elena Mishra of Odisha on creating history as the youngest female player to hold an official FIDE rating.
At an age when most children are taking their first steps into learning, Elena has already made her mark on the world of chess. Her… pic.twitter.com/kpjlluUltc
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) September 2, 2026
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, “Heartiest congratulations to 4-year-old Elena Mishra of Odisha on creating history as the youngest female player to hold an official FIDE rating.”
“At an age when most children are taking their first steps into learning, Elena has already made her mark on the world of chess,” Majhi said, describing her achievement as a reflection of “exceptional talent, dedication and determination.”
The Chief Minister also extended his best wishes to Elena and her family, expressing hope that her journey would inspire more young minds across Odisha to pursue their interests and strive for excellence.
“May Elena’s remarkable journey inspire many more young minds across Odisha to dream big, pursue their passion and achieve excellence. My best wishes to Elena and her family for many more milestones ahead,” he added.
Elena’s accomplishment at the age of four is being seen as an encouraging development for chess in Odisha. Her achievement could also inspire more young children and parents to take up competitive chess and participate in organised tournaments.
With her entry into the official FIDE rating list at such a young age, Elena has already established herself as one of Odisha’s most promising young chess talents, marking the beginning of what could be a remarkable journey in the sport.
