Shreyas Royal, a British Indian chess prodigy, has become England’s youngest grandmaster at just 15 years old, following a remarkable victory in the British Chess Championships. He secured his final GM Norm—a critical performance benchmark achieved through various tournaments—during the championship held in Hull. Born in Bangalore, India, Shreyas moved to the UK with his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, at the age of three.
In an interview with Asian Voice, he shared insights into his chess journey, discussed the role models and mentors who have inspired him, and delved into various aspects of his career and experiences.
Can you share how your journey in chess began? At what age did you start playing, and what drew you to the game?
I began playing chess at the age of 6, initially taught by my father. My mother wanted me to be engaged in a hobby, and after trying various physical activities, she felt I might excel in something more intellectual. Chess was suggested, and my father brought home a chess set for us to try. As I played with him, I eventually started winning, which took some of the fun out of the game for him. Consequently, he enrolled me in the local school chess club, where my skills developed and I gradually advanced through the ranks.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on your path to becoming a Grandmaster, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the financial burden of chess, which is an expensive sport and often lacks adequate recognition and support, especially in the UK. While chess is more recognised in India, it’s less mainstream here. Fortunately, my dad managed to connect with generous supporters, including Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind Technologies and a former chess prodigy himself. Another major challenge occurred in 2018, when my family faced the threat of deportation due to a visa rule requiring my father to earn £120,000 annually. This rule was widely criticised, and many, including Dominic Lawson, President of the English Chess Federation, advocated fiercely on our behalf. Thanks to their efforts and the intervention of former Secretary Sajid Javid, we were granted the right to stay in the UK.
Have you had any mentors or role models in the chess world who have influenced your game? How have they shaped your approach to chess?
I look up to many former Welsh champions and world champions, each offering valuable lessons. Magnus Carlsen, one of the greatest chess players of all time, is a significant role model for me. His all-around excellence—not just in chess but also in his mental and physical fitness—makes him an ideal figure to aspire to. Although he hasn’t had the most direct impact on my game yet, I’ve learned a lot from studying his play. Vishy Anand has also been a major influence. Recently, I discovered that our playing styles share some similarities. Anand’s pragmatic approach and his role in revolutionising chess in India have inspired me. I hope to follow in his footsteps by becoming a strong chess player in the UK and inspiring others, much like Anand did in India. His quick playing style, known as the "Lightning Kid," also resonates with my own, despite occasional setbacks. Garry Kasparov is another key influence. I’ve had the privilege of meeting him twice through the Kasparov Chess Foundation, which conducts training camps for talented juniors. Working with him and witnessing his deep understanding of chess has been remarkable.
How do you see your future in chess evolving? Do you have aspirations beyond playing, such as coaching or promoting the game?
I hope to see chess gain more popularity and respect in the UK, with emerging young talent. My main goal is to become one of the world’s top players, ideally a world champion. As my competitive career progresses, I plan to stay involved in chess through coaching and promotion. I’m passionate about encouraging young players and currently contribute by working with ChessKid, writing articles, visiting schools, and giving presentations. I believe inspiring and mentoring younger players is crucial, as they represent the future of the game.
