10-year-old from Kids Got Talent breaks chess record – Guinness World Records
Young prodigy Punithamalar Rajashekar from Malaysia broke the record for the fastest time to arrange a chess set blindfolded, proving that she can break a record with her eyes quite literally closed.
She broke the previous record by achieving the jaw-dropping time of 45.72 seconds.
The talented girl has won several awards, including Asias Outstanding Child Award of the Year 2022-2023, and has showcased her skills in various competitions, such as Malaysias Kids Got Talent.
The record attempt took place at Punithamalars school, with members of the Parents and Teachers Association and the school management all there to witness the event.
You can see the attempt here:
As one might expect, Punithamalars passion with chess goes beyond arranging the chess set in record-breaking time. She is also an excellent chess player, who started playing when she was five years old.
She is the best player at her school, which she represented at a district chess competition.
She also regularly participates in nationwide tournaments and is a FIDE (International Chess Federation) registered member.
My dad is my coach, she told us, and we play together almost every day.
Punithamalar got the idea to attempt a world record after watching a documentary about extraordinary human achievements.
Seeing people push their limits and accomplish incredible feats really inspired me, she explained. [] I was particularly drawn to the idea of setting a personal goal and pushing myself beyond my limits, and attempting a world record seemed like the perfect way to do that.
I had already participated in various events such as Kids Got Talent, and felt that I wanted to do more to get recognition. My father suggested that I should focus on my passion, so my family and I decided I should break this particular record.
Know a kid who'd love this story? We've got a special version of it just for them on our kids' website!
Regarding her training for the attempt, she commented: I studied videos of previous record holders to understand their techniques and strategies.
I began my preparation 4 months before the actual attempt, with a combination of physical and mental training.
Her coach dad supported her throughout the entire process, whilst her family and teachers motivated her during the toughest training sessions.
Besides playing chess, Punithamalar also likes to memorize facts and pictures, and she has participated in various school competitions for storytelling and public speaking.
Her favourite subject is maths and, when she grows up, she wants to become a space scientist.
On breaking a world record, she said that it was a life-changing experience, that she felt pride and uniqueness, and that she hopes it will inspire others to reach for their own extraordinary goals.
Lastly, the young chess champion revealed that she intends to attempt another record in the blindfolded category!
We cannot wait to see what record young Punithamalar will break next.
Want more? Follow us on Google Newsand across our social media channels to stay up-to-date with all things Guinness World Records! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Threads,TikTok, LinkedIn, and Snapchat Discover.
Don't forget to check out our videos on YouTubeand become part of our group chat by following the Guinness World RecordsWhatsApp channel.
Still not had enough? Click hereto buy our latest book, filled to the brim with stories about our amazing record breakers.
Read more:
10-year-old from Kids Got Talent breaks chess record - Guinness World Records
- Magnus Carlsen agreed to the photo. Then he turned around and told the judges. - World Chess - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Chess Mates: the fantastic true story of the sex toy rumour that buzzed around the world - The Guardian - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Chess Live Prediction Markets & Live Odds - Polymarket - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 - en.chessbase.com - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- CHESS Will Release Cast Recording Next Week; Listen to 'Anthem' Now - BroadwayWorld.com - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Carlsen, Nepomniachtchi, Niemann Still Perfect In Karlsruhe As 19 Players Reach 3/3 - Chess.com - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Malagasy Chess Federation elects new Executive Board for 20262030 - FIDE - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Sindarov in danger of running away with the Candidates after he moves to 5.5/6 - The Week in Chess - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Candidates R4: Head-to-head stats - en.chessbase.com - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- My obsession with this 11-year-old chess champion has taught me how to win - The i Paper - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Khanty-Mansiysk to Host XXIII Anatoly Karpov International Tournament - - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- What are the anti-cheating measures at FIDE Candidates 2026 that triggered debate among top players - Firstpost - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Controversy at the Candidates Tournament in chess. A grandmaster accuses the organizers: "It's as if we are Mossad agents in Iran" -... - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Britain's No.1 female player is just eleven years old! - Chess News | ChessBase - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Pixie Chess Funding Rounds, Token Sale Review & Tokenomics Analysis - CryptoRank - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Sindarov 'really surprised' with Gukesh opting out of Grand Chess Tour, looks forward to 'dream' GCT debut - Firstpost - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Someone You Should Know: Passing the game of chess along - Dakota News Now - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Caruana, Sindarov, Lagno, and Assaubayeva steal the spotlight at Cap St Georges International Chess Federation - FIDE - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Mind games: How football stars are fuelling chess boom - France 24 - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Mind games: How football stars are fuelling chess boom - The Killeen Daily Herald - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Sindarov Ahead in Candidates, While Asaubayeva Shares Womens Lead - The Times Of Central Asia - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- World Chess Weekly: Sindarov Sizzles At The CandidatesBut Carlsen's Also In Action In Karlsruhe - World Chess - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Chess Grand Master Ottomar Ladva Captures a WSOP Super Circuit Ring and $311K - PokerNews - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Global launch: FIDE Preparation of Teachers Course for Women Around the World International Chess Federation - FIDE - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Qualifiers confirmed for FIDE Womens Grand Prix 2026-2027 International Chess Federation - FIDE - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- LeBron Reveals Why He Loves Golf, Reason He Started Playing and Chess Aspirations Next in New Video - Bleacher Report - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Seligdar supports the holding of an All-Russian chess tournament - AKM.RU - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Untold: Chess Mates | Where to Stream and Watch - Decider - April 3rd, 2026 [April 3rd, 2026]
- Striking gambit: Erling Haaland invests in new world chess championship - The Guardian - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Erling Haaland invests in new Total Chess World Championship Tour - BBC - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Live lecture: Power of the King - Chess News | ChessBase - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Hear the 1st Single From the Chess Broadway Revival Cast Album - Playbill - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- POLL! So Who Do You Got in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the Second Most Prestigious Event in Chess? - Lost Coast Outpost - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- 'Gukesh became world champion by accident...Carlsen is effectively still the champion': Russian chess legend Karpov - Firstpost - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Medieval chess was more inclusive than the world around it - Popular Science - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Lea Michele to Exit Chess on Broadway in June - Variety - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Lea Michele To Depart 'Chess' on Broadway in June - The Hollywood Reporter - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Lea Michele Shares Why Recording Nobodys Side From Broadways Chess Was One of The Most Incredible Moments Of Her Career - Billboard - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Medieval chess promoted racial harmony and mutual respect, say historians - Phys.org - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Erling Haaland invests in Norway Chess to launch the new Total Chess World Championship Tour - FIDE - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- See Lea Michele, Nicholas Christopher, Aaron Tveit, Perform Songs From Chess for Broadway on the Radio - Playbill - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Why Erling Haaland Signed Up For Norway Chess: 'The Project Was Too Exciting To Pass Up' - World Chess - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- World Chess Weekly: Everyone Wants To Call The Candidates Early - World Chess - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Chess: Scotlands Freddy Waldhausen Gordon, 15, routs the English in British Rapidplay - The Guardian - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Erling Haaland has another business venture. This time in chess - Yahoo Sports - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Manchester Citys Erling Haaland invests in new chess tournament with $2.7m prize pot - The Athletic - The New York Times - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Erling Haaland Invests in Chess! New Total World Championship Tour Announced - WION - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Lea Michele Unpacks the 'Scary' Parallels Between Cold War Musical 'Chess' and Now | Video - TheWrap - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Kiriakov Petr in joint lead at Chess for Everyone Kerela 2026 - ChessBase India - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Tips for Beginners, Part 8: Together what belongs together...! - Chess News | ChessBase - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Svitlana's Smart Moves - The Candidates: Who will win? (II) - Chess News | ChessBase - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Alohi Gilman already sounds like the perfect chess piece for Steve Spagnuolo - Arrowhead Addict - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Jan Timman Dies at 74; Fearless Chess Grandmaster and Bon Vivant - The New York Times - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Judit Polgar on Gukesh: Am sure he has great future, but not sure hes going to be world champion after next match - The Indian Express - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- More than 150,000 magnet chess games recalled due to violating the mandatory standard for toys - WVNS - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Teaching Babies Chess Might Sound WildBut This Champion Makes a Compelling Case - Parents - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Consumer Alert: Chess game recalled due to child chocking hazard - KVOA - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Cardinals rising star JJ Wetherholt also shines in chess and fishing - FOX 2 - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Bradford chess wins third straight state title - The Bradford Era - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Prague International Chess Festival 2026 - Behind the scenes - Chess News | ChessBase - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Vikings interim GM Rob Brzezinski playing chess, not checkers with the salary cap - A to Z Sports - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Laredo 8-year-old finishes second at Texas Scholastic Super State Chess Championship - KLTV.com - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Laredo 8-year-old finishes second at Texas Scholastic Super State Chess Championship - KGNS - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Danny Rensch on Purpose, Pain, and the Power of Chess - The Times of India - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Laredo 8-year-old places 2nd in Texas state chess championship - KGNS - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Life-Threatening Hazard Sparks Massive Recall Of Popular Board Game - dailyvoice.com - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Wesley So gets the job done in the American Cup after four failed attempts, including runner-up finishes to Hikaru Nakamura in 2023 and Levon Aronian... - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Indias National School Chess League opens 2026 onboarding for Schools - ChessBase India - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Pictorials: That was the year that was - Chess News | ChessBase - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- The American Cup EndsNow The Cold War Before The Candidates Begins - World Chess - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Hans Niemann Feels His 'Entire Life' Has Been 'Destroyed' from Cheating Scandal in Untold: Chess Mates (Exclusive) - People.com - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Understudies From Little Shop, Ragtime, Chess, More Will Step Into the Spotlight This Month - Playbill - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- CHESS, MAMMA MIA!, and RAGTIME Lead Nominations for the Inaugural Broadway Ensemble Awards - BroadwayWorld.com - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Busy weeks of competition for young Evanston chess players - Evanston RoundTable - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Hannah Cruz Talks Chess, Working With Lea Michele and the Long Game of Filming Merrily We Roll Along - Broadway Shows - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- FIDE Candidates 2026 Fan Zone: Meet the players in Paphos International Chess Federation - FIDE - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- More than just a game: Free chess classes aim to reduce youth violence in Boston - The Boston Globe - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Filipino-born chess player Wesley So closes in on his first American Cup title following runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024 - facebook.com - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Uzbek Grandmaster Abdusattorov Wins in Prague: I Was Always in Control. - The Times Of Central Asia - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Magnetic chess game recalled in Canada due to possible life-threatening risk - Inside Halton - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]