Nihal Sarin, born in Thrissur, India, has been a chess prodigy since childhood, showcasing exceptional talent from an early age. By the age of three, he could recite the capitals and flags of over 190 countries, and soon after began learning chess. His rapid progression saw him win the World Under-10 Championship in 2014, and by 14, he became a Grandmaster, the third-youngest in history at the time.

Renowned for his calm, strategic play, Nihal's international achievements continue to rise. He has earned multiple medals representing India, including gold at the 2020 FIDE Online Chess Olympiad and individual board gold at the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai. His playing style, marked by deep calculation and composure, has gained him respect among the global chess elite.

In recent years, Nihal has been a rising star in rapid and blitz chess, defeating top-tier players like Magnus Carlsen. His consistent performance in tournaments such as the Tata Steel Rapid Championship and Chess.com Global Championship further cement his status as one of India's leading chess talents, with a peak rating nearing 2700 in 2024.