Perfect Score, Team Gold: Kishore Prajith Leads India-Bound U18 Chess Champions
Kishore Prajith of Coimbatore delivered a remarkable performance at the 2026 National Schools Team Under-18 Chess Championships, helping his team secure the gold medal. The victory also earns the team the opportunity to represent India at the upcoming Under-18 School Team World Championship. Prajith’s achievement stands out not only for its contribution to the team result, but also for the consistency and determination reflected in his perfect score.
An unbeaten run to remember
Prajith won all eight of his games, finishing with a flawless 8/8 record. In a team competition, every individual result can influence the overall standings, making his unbeaten run a substantial contribution to the gold-medal campaign. Producing a perfect score across eight games requires sustained concentration, sound decision-making and the ability to meet each new challenge with focus.
His results helped strengthen the team’s position throughout the championship. While the title was earned collectively, Prajith’s performance provided an important boost and demonstrated the value of reliable scoring in a national-level event. The gold medal is a significant accomplishment for the Coimbatore player and his teammates.
Team gold and a place on the world stage
Winning the national championship brings a further milestone: the team will now represent India at the forthcoming Under-18 School Team World Championship. Competing internationally will offer the players an opportunity to test themselves against school teams from other countries and to carry their national colours onto a larger stage.
The qualification is a reward for the team’s collective effort at the national event. Each player’s contribution matters in a team format, and Prajith’s eight victories were particularly valuable in supporting the squad’s successful campaign. The upcoming world championship gives the team a new goal to pursue as they prepare for competition beyond India.
A major rapid-rating gain
Alongside the team title, Prajith recorded an impressive rise in his rapid rating. His performance added 118.8 points, a substantial gain that reflects the strength of his results during the event. Rating increases are one way to track progress over time, and such a leap makes this championship especially memorable in his personal chess journey.
The combination of a perfect tournament score, national team gold and a significant rating improvement marks a standout achievement. It also highlights the momentum Prajith has built through his play. Maintaining that form while preparing for international competition will be an important next step.
Looking ahead
For Prajith and his teammates, the national title is both a celebration and a beginning. They have earned the chance to represent India, and the experience ahead will bring fresh challenges and valuable lessons. Prajith’s 8/8 performance has already made a powerful contribution to the team’s success; now, the squad can turn its attention to the world championship.
Coimbatore can take pride in Prajith’s achievement, while the young champion and his team can look forward to competing on the international stage. Their gold-medal campaign is a testament to teamwork, focus and strong individual performances—and a promising chapter in their chess careers.
Contact
cdcachess@gmail.com
cdcaregn2024@gmail.com
Contact Coimbatore District Chess Association
+91 9944898753