Sahib Singh: First Sikh Chess Player to Achieve International Master Title

A Historic Achievement in Chess

At just sixteen years old, Sahib Singh has etched his name in history as the inaugural Sikh chess player to attain the prestigious International Master (IM) title.

Hailing from New Delhi, Sahib has familial ties to Chandigarh, where his family owns an ancestral home in Sector 20. His passion for chess ignited at home, watching his father, Tajinder Singh, and older brother engage in casual games. His talent quickly became evident when his school introduced chess classes, prompting his coach, Arbaaz Singh, to encourage his family to nurture his skills.

Tajinder recounted, "Arbaaz Sir reached out to us after noticing Sahib's progress at the age of seven, urging us to invest in serious coaching and tournament participation."

Operating a footwear shop in Karol Bagh, Tajinder acknowledged the challenges they faced, both in terms of time and finances, yet they persevered without sponsorship.

Sahib reflected on his father's unwavering support, stating, "My father ensured that I remained focused on chess, despite the challenges of managing the shop and financial strains."

He quickly gained recognition in local competitions, finishing second in the Delhi State U-9 Championship, which laid the groundwork for his future successes.

The path to the IM title was fraught with challenges, as Sahib narrowly missed achieving his final IM norm on several occasions. However, his determination culminated in success at the Dubai Open 2025, where he secured his third and final IM norm.

His journey began with his first IM norm at the Rudar GM Tournament in Pozarevac, Serbia, in November 2023, followed by a second norm at the Priaeus GM Tournament in Greece in May 2024, where he also earned his first Grandmaster norm, showcasing his potential for future greatness.

Sahib has consistently brought pride to India through his achievements, including a remarkable triple gold win at the Western Asia Youth Chess Championship in 2022, excelling in classical, rapid, and blitz formats.

Harmeet Singh Kalka, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), remarked, "His success serves as an inspiration for young chess enthusiasts, especially within the Sikh community, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can overcome obstacles. His milestone as the first Sikh International Master marks a significant moment in Indian chess history."

With the IM title now in his possession, Sahib is focused on his next goal: becoming a Grandmaster. Given his rapid advancement and unwavering determination, it seems likely that he will achieve this milestone soon.