In the quiet village of Kurada in Karapa Mandal, located in the vibrant coastal belt of Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, a young chess talent is steadily scripting a story of dedication, discipline, and consistency. Vanum Jai Prakash, born in 2014, has emerged as one of the most promising young players, proving that excellence can rise from even the most humble beginnings.
Kakinada – Where Talent Meets Opportunity
Kakinada, a prominent coastal city known for its port, educational institutions, and disciplined lifestyle, has been quietly nurturing young talent across fields. From this culturally rooted and hardworking region, Jai Prakash has stepped onto the national chess stage with confidence and determination.
Early Start, Strong Guidance
A Class VII student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kakinada, Jai Prakash began his chess journey at the age of seven, first learning the basics from his father, Sri Vanum Veera Venkata Ramana, a Marine Constable in the Kakinada Police Department.
His passion soon led him to train under Coach K.S.V. Prasad, a well-known chess mentor in Kakinada. Over the past six years, Prasad sir has shaped his game with structured training, discipline, and deep understanding—transforming him into a competitive and confident player.
State-Level Achievements – A Strong Foundation
Jai Prakash has consistently performed at the state level across multiple age categories:
1st Place – U-9 School Games, Bhimavaram (2023)
U-9 State Championship, Vijayawada (2023)
2nd Place – U-9 School Games, Guntur (2022)
3rd Place – U-8, Rajahmundry (2022)
8th Place – U-10, Visakhapatnam (2022)
These achievements reflect not just talent, but steady progression across categories, competing with older and stronger players.
National-Level Success – Breaking Through
At the national level, Jai Prakash has already made a strong impact:
3rd Place – U-9 National Championship, Jharkhand (2023)
(Secured International Participation Slot)
10th Place – U-9 School Games Nationals, Hosur, Tamil Nadu
14th Place – U-8 National Championship, Vijayawada (2022)
Achieving a podium finish at nationals at such a young age is a testament to his mental strength and consistency under pressure.
Consistency – The True Mark of a Champion
What truly distinguishes Jai Prakash is his consistent participation and performance:
Active tournament play from 2022 onwards
Participation across U-8, U-9, U-10, U-11 categories
Exposure at district, state, and national levels continuously
Achieved a strong FIDE rating of 1750 at a young age
In modern chess, reaching the top-10 at national level is not a one-time achievement—it requires playing at least 40–50 tournaments, building experience step by step.
The Untold Story – Parents Behind the Player
Behind every young chess player lies a story rarely spoken about—the journey of the parents.
For Jai Prakash, his parents have travelled across India, taking him to tournaments in different states—often leaving behind their professional duties, family responsibilities, and personal comfort.
This journey is not easy.
A young child cannot travel alone, and parents must accompany them everywhere
If there are siblings, it becomes even more challenging to manage family responsibilities
Travel involves long train journeys, unfamiliar cities, and constant adjustments
Even for middle and higher-income families, the financial burden of travel, stay, and entry fees is significant
To achieve a FIDE rating, players must travel wherever tournaments are conducted—sometimes across the country. To reach top national rankings, continuous exposure is essential.
Yet, despite all these challenges, parents stand firm—because they believe in their child’s dream.
Jai Prakash’s parents, Sri V.V. Ramana and Smt. Baby Swarna, represent this silent strength. Their sacrifices, patience, and commitment form the backbone of his success.
Coach, Family, and Determination – A Perfect Blend
With the guidance of Coach K.S.V. Prasad, the unwavering support of his parents, and his own disciplined approach, Jai Prakash has built a strong foundation at a very young age.
A Bright Future Ahead
The journey of Vanum Jai Prakash is not just about medals—it is about consistency, resilience, and the power of support systems.
From the fields of Kurada village to national podiums, his story is an inspiration—not only for young players but also for parents across the country.
As he continues his journey, one thing is certain—
this young star from Kakinada is only getting started.