Fide Rated 2038 | Arena Grand Master (AGM) | 11× State Champion | High-Performance Chess Coaching | Tournament Preparation Specialist

Find out more about Gaurav

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  Chess is a discipline of deep strategy and mental endurance that has been the focal point of my life for 27 years. My journey began in 1999, sparked by the influence of my grandfather. He was a formidable player, and under his guidance, my interest transformed into a rigorous pursuit; we would practice for 8–9 hours daily. This foundational dedication led me to become a 10-time continuous State Champion, achieve an All India Rank of 5th twice in different age categories, and earn the title of Arena Grandmaster (AGM) with a FIDE rating of 2038.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  My primary motivation stems from my own upbringing in a small town. Despite my passion, I faced a significant lack of resources and professional guidance during my developmental years. I chose to teach because I want to ensure that the next generation of players—especially those from underserved areas—don't have to navigate the same obstacles I did. My goal is to provide the roadmap and mentorship I wish I had when I was starting out.

• How does your work help society?

  By coaching, I am democratizing access to high-level chess expertise. My work helps put smaller regions on the map, proving that world-class talent can emerge from anywhere if given the right tools. Beyond the board, chess instills critical thinking, patience, and resilience in young minds. Guiding students to achieve FIDE ratings of 1800+ and securing prestigious titles like FM and WFM contributes to the growing intellectual and competitive legacy of Indian chess.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  My grandfather remains my greatest role model. He didn't just teach me the mechanics of the pieces; he instilled the work ethic required to sustain a 27-year career. His willingness to sit with me for nearly 10 hours a day taught me that excellence is a product of consistency and shared passion—values I strive to replicate every time I sit down with a student.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  While chess is my profession, I find balance through high-speed and high-precision sports; I am an avid fan of Formula 1, lawn tennis, and table tennis. I also enjoy the analytical shift of reading and the perspective gained from exploring new places. Additionally, my academic background is a significant part of my life; I secured All India Rank 1 in the CMAT 2021 exam and completed my MBA at JBIMS, Mumbai.

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  One of my proudest professional moments was training Marium Fatima. Seeing her become the first Woman FIDE Master (WFM) from Bihar was an incredible milestone, not just for her, but for the region. The achievement was even recognized by ChessBase India. It served as a powerful validation of my mission: that with the right guidance, players from any background can break barriers and achieve historic "firsts."