Queens of the Board: Meet 5 Rising Female Chess Stars of India

By: Ayushi Dutta, Correspondent

Velpula Sarayu: FIDE rating of 2290 as of June 2025

Velpula Sarayu, born in Warangal, Telangana, in 2006, has become a formidable force in the world of chess. She began playing at 10, inspired by her father, and quickly gained recognition, winning the National Under-13 Girls Championship in 2019. Sarayu's defining moment came in 2023 at the Pontevedra Open in Spain, where she finished second with 6.5 points out of 9. Her FIDE rating soared to 2387, and she has since achieved a peak rating of 2384 as of 2024. Sarayu's gameplay is characterized by exceptional calculation skills and composure under pressure. In 2025, she was officially awarded the Woman International Master title by FIDE. Her coach, International Master Krishna Teja, praised her discipline, patience, and passion for the game. 

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