Pakistan’s Youngest Chess Prodigy: 9-Year-Old Rayaan Rehman Becomes Arena FIDE Master!
Rayaan Rehman, a remarkable 9-year-old chess prodigy from Pakistan, has recently been awarded the prestigious Arena FIDE Master (AFM) title by FIDE, the International Chess Federation. This achievement makes him the youngest Pakistani to hold this esteemed title, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning chess career.
Rayaan’s journey in chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. He remained undefeated in the Pakistan National Chess Championship, showcasing his exceptional talent and strategic prowess. His outstanding performance earned him a place on the Pakistani national team, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
In a grand event held in Kazakhstan, the Asian Youth International Chess Championship, Rayaan proudly represented Pakistan among 650 participants from 36 countries. During this international competition, he demonstrated his remarkable abilities by defeating numerous players from various countries, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the chess world.
Rayaan also represented Pakistan in the Asian Schools Chess Championship 2024 in Bangkok, where he was the best-performing Pakistani player. Competing against top players from around the world, he showcased his exceptional talent by defeating opponents from multiple countries, further highlighting his skills on the international stage.
In addition to his international successes, Rayaan has been actively participating in many local tournaments, consistently securing top positions and proving his exceptional skill. Most recently, he emerged victorious in the 148th Quaid Day Rapid Tournament, attended by over 300 participants from all over Pakistan.
Notably, he secured a position in an event arranged by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, Rafia Haider, where he received a shield and a cash prize from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore.
Adding to his impressive list of achievements, Rayaan won a gold medal and a certificate signed by the President of FIDE. This accolade was awarded for securing first position in a tournament organized by FIDE to set a Guinness World Record for the maximum number of chess games played in a single day. The event successfully achieved the world record, with Rayaan’s victory standing out as a highlight.
Rayaan’s accomplishments at such a young age are a source of immense pride for Pakistan and an inspiration for young chess enthusiasts everywhere. His journey continues to be a testament to his hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent in the world of chess. Here is Rayaan’s FIDE profile – https://ratings.fide.com/profile/7833520
For a visual insight into Rayaan’s achievements, you can watch the following video: