Six-year-old Riyan Siddharth from Bhagalpur has made history by winning five international medals at the ASEAN Plus Chess Championship held in Singapore, representing India. Riyan, who celebrated his sixth birthday on August 8, 2026, has brought immense joy to the sports community and Bhagalpur district with his exceptional performance.

Riyan showcased his remarkable chess skills in individual classical and rapid chess categories, securing two bronze medals. Furthermore, as part of the Indian team, he delivered an outstanding performance in all three team events – classical, rapid, and blitz – earning three silver medals. This grand total of two bronze and three silver medals has firmly established his talent on the international stage.

Riyan began learning chess at the tender age of five. In a short span, his sharp intellect and strategic prowess led him to win numerous prestigious trophies and medals at district and state-level competitions. This year, he represented Bengaluru at the Karnataka State School Chess Championship in Udupi, where he secured a spot in the top five. He also won gold and silver medals representing his school in the Karnataka State School Team Championship.

While Riyan's parents, Naman Siddharth and Aasma Chaudhary, are currently based in Bengaluru, their family roots are deeply embedded in Bhagalpur. His grandfather, Pawan Kumar Jhunjhunwala, is a well-known businessman associated with 'Pawan Medical Stores' in Bhagalpur's Dawai Patti. Winning five international medals on a global platform at just six years old highlights Riyan's extraordinary talent. His family and sports enthusiasts are hopeful that he will become a Grandmaster and achieve even greater global milestones for the country in the future.