IM Vishal Sareen

International Master Vishal Sareen is a highly respected figure in Indian chess, known not only for his own achievements as a player but also for his pivotal role in shaping the careers of many of India’s top Grandmasters. With over two decades of experience as a coach and mentor, IM Sareen has earned a reputation as one of the country’s finest chess trainers, guiding numerous young talents to success on the global stage.

Early Chess Career

Vishal Sareen’s chess journey began at the age of ten in 1983. Just a few years later, in 1986, he became the National Sub Junior Champion, a milestone that set the foundation for his future in chess. His early success led him to represent India in the World Under-16 Chess Championship in Innsbruck, Austria, in 1987—his first taste of international competition.

Throughout his career as a player, IM Sareen made several International Master norms and represented India in various international events. However, at the age of 25, he realized that the country needed more professional chess trainers to nurture the growing pool of talented young players. With this insight, he shifted his focus to becoming a coach, dedicating himself to enhancing the chess knowledge and skills of India’s next generation.

Mentorship and Coaching Career

IM Vishal Sareen’s coaching career took off in 2004 when he began working with some of India’s brightest young chess talents. His innovative methods and deep understanding of the game quickly gained attention, and in a short span of time, he became one of India’s top chess trainers. Some of his most notable students include:

• GM Parimarjan Negi: One of Sareen’s earliest success stories, Negi achieved the Grandmaster title under his guidance, becoming one of India’s youngest GMs at the time.

• GM Abhijeet Gupta: Vishal Sareen has been the personal coach of GM Abhijeet Gupta for over 15 years, helping him grow from a talented young player to one of India’s most successful Grandmasters.

• GM Sahaj Grover and GM Tania Sachdev: Both players honed their skills under IM Sareen’s mentorship, achieving international success and earning the prestigious Grandmaster and Woman Grandmaster titles, respectively.

Trainer of Indian Teams

Over the past two decades, IM Sareen has trained numerous Indian teams across various age categories, including Cadets, Youth, Sub-Junior, Junior, and Women’s teams. His extensive experience working with players at different stages of their development has made him one of the most versatile and effective chess coaches in the country. He continues to train many of India’s Grandmasters, ensuring that the country remains a powerhouse in global chess.

FIDE Senior Trainer and FIDE Trainers’ Commission

Vishal Sareen’s contributions to chess coaching have been recognized globally. He is one of the few FIDE Senior Trainers in India, a prestigious title awarded to top coaches around the world. Additionally, he serves as a Councilor in the FIDE Trainers’ Commission, where he works to improve the standards of chess training internationally.

Inspiration for Young Players

IM Vishal Sareen’s journey from a young chess prodigy to one of India’s leading trainers is an inspiring story for any aspiring chess player. His ability to recognize the need for professional training and his dedication to improving the skills of young players have left an indelible mark on Indian chess.

For beginners, IM Sareen emphasizes the importance of learning from every game, whether it’s a victory or a defeat. His students are taught to approach chess with a mindset of continuous learning, a philosophy that has helped many of them achieve success on the global stage.

“Coaching is not just about teaching the game—it’s about building confidence, discipline, and a passion for lifelong learning.” — IM Vishal Sareen