Marium Fatima: Bihar’s First Woman FIDE Master

Muzaffarpur’s chess prodigy, Marium Fatima, has scripted history by becoming Bihar’s first-ever Woman FIDE Master (WFM), a prestigious international title awarded by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

Marium, hailing from Muzaffarpur district, achieved this remarkable milestone at the recently concluded Commonwealth Chess Championship, where she crossed the crucial 2000 FIDE rating mark required to earn the title of Woman FIDE Master. The FIDE rating system, governed by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (World Chess Federation), measures the skill level of chess players worldwide, with the 2000+ rating representing a strong benchmark of professional excellence.

This achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a historic moment in the 40-year sporting history of Muzaffarpur, as no player from the district had ever before earned such a significant international distinction in chess.

Consistent Record of Excellence

Marium’s journey to this milestone has been marked by hard work, discipline, and consistent victories in major tournaments. Some of her notable achievements include:

• Winner of the 12th National Women’s Amateur Elo Rating Chess Competition

• Champion at the Bihar State Women’s FIDE Rating Chess Competition 2025

• Bihar State Women’s Chess Championship 2022 titleholder

These victories established her as one of the most promising chess players from the state, steadily climbing the FIDE rating ladder before breaking the 2000 mark at the Commonwealth Championship.

Recognition and Celebrations

Her success has been widely celebrated across Bihar. Ravindran Shankaran, Director General of Bihar State Sports Authority, congratulated her and praised her determination in putting Bihar on the national and international chess map. Similarly, Diljit Khanna, President of the Bihar Chess Association, along with Secretary Dharmendra Kumar, expressed their joy at this achievement, calling it a moment of immense pride for the state.

They emphasized that Marium’s dedication and passion for chess not only brought her individual glory but also set an inspiring example for young female players in Bihar, encouraging more women to take up the sport at a competitive level.

A Beacon of Inspiration

In her hometown of Muzaffarpur, news of Marium’s triumph has created a festive and celebratory atmosphere, with locals hailing her as a role model for the youth. For Bihar, a state where sports infrastructure is still developing, her success story highlights how individual excellence, determination, and perseverance can break barriers and bring global recognition.

Marium Fatima’s achievement as Bihar’s first Woman FIDE Master marks the beginning of a new chapter for chess in the state, and her journey will undoubtedly inspire many more aspiring players to dream big and aim for international titles.