Sri Lankan Chess Prodigy Oshini Gunawardhana Becomes World Number One in Under-13 Girls Category

In a momentous achievement for Sri Lankan chess, thirteen-year-old WIM Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana has scaled the summit of world youth chess, claiming the number one position in the FIDE world rankings for girls under 13. With an impressive standard rating of 2272 as of December 2025, Oshini has surpassed some of the brightest young talents from across the globe, firmly establishing herself as the world’s premier player in her age category.

A Historic Achievement

The December 2025 FIDE rankings tell a remarkable story. Oshini sits at the top with 2272 rating points, edging out India’s WFM Charvi A who follows closely with 2270 points. Kazakhstan’s WFM Alanna Berikkyzy holds third place with 2241 points, while England’s WIM Bodhana Sivanandan occupies fourth position with 2229 points. The top five is rounded out by FM Megan Althea Paragua of the United States with 2219 points.

This achievement places Oshini not just at the top of her age group, but among an elite circle of young female chess players worldwide. The ranking includes talented players from chess powerhouses like India, which has multiple representatives in the top 25, as well as strong players from the United States, Poland, Kazakhstan, and other chess nations.

The Journey to the Top

Born in 2012, Oshini has been making waves in the chess world for several years. A student at Wycherley International School, she has successfully balanced her academic commitments with her chess ambitions, demonstrating remarkable discipline and time management. Her journey to becoming a Woman International Master and now the world’s top-ranked under-13 girl is a testament to her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and the countless hours spent mastering the intricacies of the ancient game. Every tournament, every game, every position studied has contributed to this remarkable milestone.

Oshini’s playing style combines tactical sharpness with strategic maturity beyond her years. Her ability to navigate complex positions, her fighting spirit in difficult situations, and her composure under pressure have all been key factors in her rise through the ranks. These qualities have enabled her to compete successfully against experienced players and consistently deliver results that have propelled her rating upward.

The Guiding Force: FIDE Instructor Akila Kavinda

Behind every great chess player stands a dedicated coach, and for Oshini, that person is FIDE Instructor Akila Kavinda. His expert guidance, innovative training methods, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping Oshini’s chess understanding and tournament performance. Coach Akila has not only worked on developing her technical skills but has also focused on the psychological aspects of competitive chess, helping her maintain the mental strength required to perform at the highest level.

The partnership between student and coach has been built on mutual trust, hard work, and a shared vision of excellence. Coach Akila’s dedication extends beyond the chessboard, as he has been a mentor and guide throughout Oshini’s journey. His ability to identify and nurture talent, combined with his systematic approach to chess training, has created the perfect environment for Oshini to flourish.

The countless hours of preparation, game analysis, opening preparation, and endgame training have all been carefully orchestrated by Coach Akila. His commitment to Oshini’s development has been unwavering, often going beyond the call of duty to ensure she receives the best possible training and support.

A Dream of Becoming Sri Lanka’s First Woman Grandmaster

While reaching world number one in her age category is a magnificent achievement, Oshini has an even bigger dream: to become Sri Lanka’s first Woman Grandmaster. This ambitious goal requires not just talent and hard work, but also significant resources and support. International tournaments, training camps, coaching fees, and travel expenses all add up, and achieving the WGM title requires consistent participation in high-level competitions around the world.

This is where the chess community and passionate supporters can make a difference. Oshini’s journey to the WGM title will require sustained support, and those who believe in nurturing young talent and promoting Sri Lankan chess on the world stage have an opportunity to contribute to this historic quest.

How You Can Support

If you are passionate about chess and would like to support Oshini in her journey toward becoming Sri Lanka’s first Woman Grandmaster, you can reach out to her coach, FIDE Instructor Akila Kavinda, for more information:

Contact Details:

• Phone: 071 231 2945
• Email: akilakavinda12@gmail.com

Whether through sponsorship, training support, or helping with tournament participation costs, every contribution can make a meaningful difference in helping Oshini achieve her dreams and bring glory to Sri Lankan chess.

Looking Ahead

At just thirteen years old, Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana has already achieved what many chess players can only dream of. Her number one world ranking is not just a personal triumph but a proud moment for Sri Lankan chess. As she continues her journey with Coach Akila Kavinda by her side, the chess world will be watching closely to see what heights this talented young player can reach.

The path from talented youngster to Woman Grandmaster is long and challenging, but if her achievements so far are any indication, Oshini has the talent, determination, and support to make history once again. With continued hard work, the right opportunities, and support from the chess community, Sri Lanka’s first Woman Grandmaster could soon become a reality.

Congratulations to WIM Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana on this outstanding achievement, and our best wishes to her and Coach Akila Kavinda for continued success in the journey ahead. May this be just the beginning of many more triumphs for Sri Lankan chess on the world stage!