Rithvik Marri - The boy who challenged the world to created his own

by Aditya Sur Roy - 10/01/2026

Ever wondered what boundaries and challenges are? What does it mean to be not included? Not given a chance to have a fair fight? Some accept it as fate but some go out there and make a difference in their own way. They don’t understand boundaries, they don’t need to included, they create their own path. They challenged the world, their rules, their set notions and opinions they have happily lived with. They created a world of their own. They live a life beyond our understanding and belief and that is the story of Rithvik Marri, the super warrior of chess.

Just thirty-five days old, Rithvik was diagnosed with a eye condition (Glaucoma) and he gradually lost 90% of his vision. His parents shifted to Hyderabad from their hometown which was around 200kms from the city on for the treatment of Rithvik but soon they had to make terms with reality. Rithvik's condition had no cure, it can only be controlled. A news that can break people down, just made Rithvik and his parents stronger and the world that Rithvik would create around him would be an inspiration for many children and parents.

A gallery of photos from the early years of Rithvik shared by his family

Checkmating the world one move a time

While young Rithvik could not fight what he was born with, he made sure to fight and take a stand for himself in every step of life. Rithvik goes to a regular school and writes his exams without any special assistance. He Scored 94% in grade 10, CBSE Board and 97% Intermediate 1st Year in Commerce stream. Rithvik has shown tremendous results in the school and also got allotted a Seat in the NALSAR UNIVERSITY of Law Hyderabad in the First Allotment List after clearing an all India exam CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).

Rithvik Marri with his father after his simul at Maestro Chess Academy | Photo by Aditya Sur Roy

Though his parents are too protective about him and generally accompany him everywhere he goes, Rithvik declines to carry a stick to assist him. In his mind, he is as able and everyone around him. While it is something to be really proud of, the concern of parents is also valid as people around him might not understand his condition and react in a a different way.

Rithvik participating in an open tournament which he regularly does. A statement indeed.

Rithvik in action in another open chess tournament. A thing to note, he is comfortable playing in a regular chess board.

Discovering chess and a new chapter begins

Roughly three years ago, when Rithvik was fifteen, one summer afternoon, Rithvik discovered the world of chess through a chess set which was brought to his home. Considering Rithvik's learning abilities, he was recommended to learn some kind of musical instruments but though he was enrolled in some classes, he didn't show much interest. But this board of sixty-four squares changed everything. Soon his interest and curiosity grew and his mother started teaching him the basics of chess. His interest knew no bounds and he opened a Chesscom account and started playing. It was like a portal to a world where he found happiness. The fact that there was so much to learn and the scope of improvement and developing skill was so high, this thought really fascinated him about the game and he gradually started discovering Youtube channels like GothamChess ChessBase India GM Daniel Naroditsky and many more.

And after a few days of learning, Rithvik gained the confidence to play an over the board tournament. All the learning Rithvik had was from online lessons and he never had a chess coach in the early days. His first chess tournament was the Brilliant trophy under 15 state Chess championship in 2023 where he finished in top five. And thus began the journey of playing competitive chess. Check some photos of Rithvik receiving prizes in various events.

Rithvik receiving his prize from KS Prasad, president TSCA

Rithvik's journey of competitive chess continues

Rithvik enjoying getting on stage and receiving prizes

We met Rithvik for the first time at the 4th Chessbase India Chess Festival In Hyderabad, where he started as the 40th seed. A total of 105 players from various parts of the country registered for the eight-round rapid challenge and an astonishing 88 players were rated. The field included nine titled players including three FMs, three CMs, one WFM, two WCMs, national gold medalists, age category world champion, asian medalists and also many renowned chess coaches making it a very strong tournament.

Rithvik in action at the 4th Chessbase India Chess Festival In Hyderabad | Photo by Aditya Sur Roy

Rithvik not only showed immense resilience against some strong players, he scored 5/8 in such a strong field, beating and holding players way higher in strength and finished at 18th place which is remarkable.

Rithvik in action against renowned coach FM Rishpal Singh

Looking at his brilliant performance we awarded him with a book - The Power of Pawns

While his chess journey was taking its flight, Rithvik continued focusing on his studies and getting amazing grades. Rithvik was awarded his first Rapid rating in August 2024. And then he took a break for a year and half to focus on his studies. After returning from his break, Rithvik also attained his first classical rating in his first classical rated tournament, while his online rating fluctuates around 2300.

Rithvik Marri's progress | Photo : FIDE Website

The simul

When we asked Rithvik for an interview, he politely mentioned that he hasn’t achieved anything significant to appear in an interview but will prove himself to be featured in one someday. We gave Rithvik this challenge of playing against five youngsters who are the students of Maestro Chess Academy and you can see the glow in his face. He won three games and drew two scoring 4/5 in the simul.

Rithvik facing five strong youngsters in a simultaneous exhibition | Photo by Aditya Sur Roy

The participants of the simul | Photo by Aditya Sur Roy

Rithvik’s remarkable accomplishments would really question and make you think about life in a different way. In the long run, Rithvik wishes to become a strong titled player ideally a grandmaster but more importantly he would like to continue perusing his interest in chess by studying and gradual improvement in the game. He wishes to continue enjoying and having fun in the process as he strongly believes that the goals will be reached eventually if the right amount of interest and effort are put in.

A remarkable talent and a gift to the world of chess, supporting Rithvik in his journey would be a something which can help him tremendously.