Who Is Nihal Sarin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Nihal Sarin was born on July 13, 2004, in Kottayam, Kerala, India. As of 2025, he is 21 years old and has already carved out a remarkable career in chess. He became an International Master at the young age of 14 and was awarded the title of Grandmaster in 2019. Known for his aggressive playstyle and profound understanding of the game, Nihal quickly rose through the ranks, representing India in various national and international tournaments.
For more information about his achievements and life, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Chess Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 13, 2004 |
| Age | 21 Years |
| Birth Place | Thrissur, Kerala, India |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Nihal Sarin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nihal Sarin stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). His weight is approximately 140 lbs (63.5 kg), reflecting a healthy and active lifestyle that balances the demands of chess with personal fitness. While specific body measurements are not publicly available, his athletic build and poised demeanor resonate well with his disciplined approach to both chess and life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Despite his fame, Nihal remains somewhat private about his personal life. He has mentioned his family in interviews, highlighting their immense support throughout his chess journey. As of 2025, Nihal Sarin has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. Speculations about his dating life are common, but he focuses primarily on his career and personal development, believing that a strong foundation in chess comes from dedication and hard work.
Sarin Abdulsalam, Nihal's father, is a dermatologist while his mother, Shijin Ammanam Veetil Ummar, is a psychiatrist. He has a younger sister, Neha. His family spent their first few years in Kottayam.
Net Worth and Salary
Nihal Sarin's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025. This wealth has primarily come from tournament winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements within the chess community. His growing reputation and presence in the chess world have attracted various companies looking to collaborate with this young prodigy, contributing to his overall income.
Career, Business and Investments
Nihal's chess career has been marked by impressive achievements, including winning several prestigious tournaments across the globe. He is not only known for his playing ability but also for sharing insights and strategies through various online platforms, further establishing his brand. As he grows in stature, he has also started exploring business opportunities related to chess, including coaching sessions, chess merchandise, and online content creation that promotes the game to a broader audience.
In February 2016, Nihal played his first International Open outside India, the Cappelle-la-Grande Open, and registered his first International Master norm. In the process, he defeated a grandmaster for the first time in his career.
Social Network
Nihal is quite active on social media platforms, particularly on Twitter and Instagram, where he engages with his fans and shares insights into his life and chess career. With a growing follower count that lights up across platforms, he uses his social media presence to represent chess positively and encourages young aspiring players to pursue their dreams.
At the Abu Dhabi Masters 2018 held in August, Nihal tallied 5½/9 with a rating performance of 2626 to secure his third GM norm. He became the 53rd grandmaster of India and the twelfth youngest in history at the time.
On the day Nihal had become a grandmaster, his home state Kerala was ravaged by the 2018 Kerala floods, the biggest natural disaster in the state's history. Nihal contributed by raising Rs. 174,463/- (approximately US$2500) via a live YouTube show hosted by Indian chess news portal ChessBase India.
Education
While Nihal has achieved significant professional success at a young age, he emphasizes the importance of education. He has balanced his academic responsibilities with his chess career, attending school in India while competing globally. His time management and dedication to both academics and chess serve as an inspiring model for young prodigies worldwide. As of 2025, he continues to pursue his education, focusing on developing skills that will support his future, both on and off the board.
In conclusion, Nihal Sarin remains a fascinating figure in the chess world. At just 21 years old, he combines talent with hard work, creating a blueprint for success in a demanding environment. With a bright future ahead, fans and followers eagerly anticipate what’s next for this young Grandmaster.
Nihal's first big break came at the World Youth Chess Championship in the Under-10 category, which was held in Durban, South Africa in September 2014. He scored 9/11 to be crowned the Under-10 World Champion. For this achievement, he was conferred the Candidate Master (CM) title by FIDE.
