Thirteen-year-old Warsia Khusbu has been officially recognised as a Woman FIDE Master (WFM) by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), having achieved the required standard rating of 2,145. The confirmation came on Monday, marking a major milestone in the young Bangladeshi’s rapid rise through the ranks.
Khusbu, previously a Woman Candidate Master (WCM), is now the top-rated standard chess player among 205 active Bangladeshi women and holds 13th place overall among 2,001 active FIDE-registered players in the country.
Starting her chess journey in 2017 at the age of five, Khusbu made her mark early and earned her WCM title in 2023 by finishing fifth in the Asian Zone 3.2 Chess Championship. Born in Dhaka, she began competing in national and international age-group events in 2018 and has since accumulated 14 medals — six gold, five silver and three bronze.
In her first comments following the announcement, Khusbu expressed gratitude for the support she has received.
“I have earned the title of Woman FIDE Master as a result of my achievement in the standard rating points. I am grateful to all for the support, especially to the Bangladesh Chess Federation for being by my side on this journey,” she told New Age.
Looking ahead, she added, “Now, I am seeking support from the federation to come forward and manage me an international training for at least six months for my further development.”