India has long been a land of talent and resilience, but a new wave of Gen Z prodigies is now making headlines for achieving extraordinary milestones at remarkably young ages. Whether it’s the battle of minds, the spotlight of global cinema, the rhythm of classical music, or the roar of stadium crowds, these young achievers are not just following in the footsteps of legends; they’re becoming legends themselves.
Here’s a look at five inspiring young Indians who are breaking records and boundaries across the world.
Gukesh Dommaraju – Youngest Chess Grandmaster
When it comes to chess, India has found a new prodigy in Gukesh Dommaraju. He made history by becoming the youngest Indian to earn the Grandmaster title at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, a title achieved in January 2019. Born in Chennai, Gukesh began learning chess at the age of seven and quickly rose through the ranks with a disciplined approach and exceptional understanding of the game.
What sets Gukesh apart is his fearless style of play and deep endgame knowledge, which have already earned him victories against top global players. Today, he is seen as one of India’s strongest contenders for future world championship titles, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand. As of 2025, Gukesh continues to compete on the international circuit, bringing pride to India with every move.
Nitanshi Goel – India’s Youngest Female Celebrity at Cannes
At an age when most teenagers are still exploring their dreams, Nitanshi Goel is already walking the red carpet at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. The young actress made history by becoming the youngest Indian female celebrity to attend the Cannes Film Festival, where she represented Indian cinema with grace and poise.
Known for her performance in the lead role in the comedy-drama film Laapataa Ladies, which won her the IIFA Award for Best Actress. Nitanshi’s acting talent has been matched by her natural charisma and professionalism. Her appearance at Cannes has been hailed as a symbol of India’s growing soft power in global cinema and as a victory for young artists navigating the entertainment industry with authenticity and ambition. With several exciting film projects in the pipeline, Nitanshi is just getting started.
Swastik Bhardwaj – Youngest Classical Singing Prodigy
In a world increasingly driven by pop culture, Swastik Bhardwaj has chosen a more traditional—and demanding—path. Recognized as India’s youngest classical singer, Swastik has stunned the music community with his ability to render complex ragas and compositions with remarkable control and emotional depth.
Starting his training in Hindustani classical music at the age of five, Swastik quickly caught the attention of classical maestros who were amazed by his maturity and discipline. Performing at major cultural festivals and music sabhas, he is not just preserving India’s classical heritage, he is breathing new life into it. His performances often go viral on social media, attracting a younger audience to an ancient art form. In Swastik, India sees a young artist rooted in tradition but open to innovation.
Aman Sehrawat – India’s Youngest Olympic Medallist
Wrestling has long been one of India’s proudest Olympic sports, and Aman Sehrawat has carried that legacy forward by becoming India’s youngest Olympic medallist. Winning a bronze medal at the Olympics at just 19, Aman became a household name almost overnight. His journey from local wrestling akharas in Haryana to the world stage is a story of grit, discipline, and national pride.
Under the mentorship of top coaches and inspired by legends like Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar, Aman has developed into a formidable force on the mat. His speed, strength, and tactical brilliance have made him a rising star not only in India but in global wrestling circles. As India eyes future gold medals, Aman’s name is already being etched into the country’s sporting history.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – IPL’s Youngest Cricket Sensation
Cricket in India is more than a sport, it’s a religion. And Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as one of its newest deities. At just 17, Vaibhav became the youngest cricketer to debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing raw talent and nerves of steel on one of the biggest stages in global cricket.
A right-arm pacer known for his lethal swing and pace, Vaibhav has already dismissed some of the game’s top names and shown maturity beyond his years. Hailing from a modest background, his rapid rise through state and junior levels to the IPL has captured the imagination of millions. With backing from seasoned mentors and franchises investing in his potential, Vaibhav is expected to be a mainstay in Indian cricket for years to come.
The Future Is Now
These young stars, across chess, cinema, classical music, wrestling, and cricket, are redefining what it means to be successful in your teens. They’re not just setting records; they’re rewriting expectations and inspiring millions of other young Indians to dream big and start early.
India is witnessing a generational shift where talent, passion, and determination are propelling youth into the global spotlight. As these trailblazers continue to rise, one thing is clear: the future of Indian excellence is already here—and it’s in very capable, young hands.
