Kavin Mohan, a 15 year old Malaysian chess player added more achievement to his growing career, as he got the Outstanding Youth Award 2026, and secured third and final International Master (IM) norm. Kavin was honored at the 22nd Academic Force Awards for his achievements in Chess.
He currently has a few titles including FIDE Master, Candidate Master and National Master. His latest achievement was at the 3rd Quang Ninh IM Chess Tournament 2026, which was held from 2nd July to 7th July.
Kavin won the tournament with eight points from 9 rounds, recording 7 wins and two draws without a single defeat. He finished one full point ahead of runner-up FM Tran Dang Minh Quang, who scored 7 points. The tournament had 10 players, including International Masters and Grandmasters.
The victory got Kavin his 3rd and final IM norm, which marks an important step towards earning the International Master title. The achievement was made after many difficult months filled with challenges and setbacks. However, Kavin was focused and showed strong preparation, consistency, and determination throughout the tournament.
Kavin’s Growing List of Achievements
In a very young age, Kavin has already built a list of achievements in chess. Some of it are:
- Malaysian Chess Championship 2025 Champion (he became the youngest winner at 13 years and 5 months)
- FIDE World Cup 2025 Qualifier (he became Malaysia’s youngest qualifier and only representative at 14 years old)
- National Rapid Champion 2025
- National Blitz Champion 2023 (he became the youngest winner at 12 years old)
- Malaysian Olympiad Team 2024 (he joined the team as youngest member at 12 years and 11 months)
- Runner-up at the Malaysian Chess Championship 2026
- 2026 Chess Olympiad Team Qualifier (he is set to represent Malaysia in Uzbeskistan).
From representing Selangor at SUKMA to having the Malaysian flag on international stage, Kavin’s journey is shaped with discipline, focus and determination. His Outstanding Youth Award and final IM norm is a important chapter in his chess journey, as he continues to work towards greater achievements.
Sources: Academic Force FB, Akash Ganesan FB, Andrew Ooi FB
