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Nikhil Balakarthik: A Rising Star in the World of Speed-Cubing


At just 11 years old, Nikhil is already establishing himself as one of the brightest talents in the world of speed-cubing. What began as a simple gift from his mother, J Padma Priya, has transformed into a lifelong passion and a series of remarkable achievements. His journey started when his mother gave him his first Rubik’s Cube, igniting his curiosity. With quiet support from his family, especially from his father, Mr. B. Bala Karthik, Nikhil’s fascination quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit.


The Foundation of a Cubing Prodigy

From that first cube, Nikhil began to immerse himself in solving different types of puzzles. While his initial steps were guided by the encouragement of his family, it was through the mentorship of key figures in the Tamil Nadu Cube Association (TNCA), including Dr. Chandrika, Masters R Bindu Priyanka, and R Anand, that his skills began to flourish. Alongside local and national coaching, he also found guidance from international cubing experts, which helped sharpen his competitive edge. Nikhil’s journey reflects the importance of passion, practice, and mentorship, as he rapidly progressed from a beginner to a leading figure in the cubing community.


Evolution of Nikhil’s Rubik’s Cube Solves



Recent Successes: A True Test of Skill

On November 16, 2024, Nikhil participated in the Inter-School Cube Competition, held at SBOA Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Annanagar, representing Trileaves International School, Chennai. The event, organized in collaboration with the All India Cube Federation (AICF) and SBOA, saw multiple schools competing in various categories, showcasing the talent of young cubers from across the region. Nikhil emerged victorious, claiming 2nd place in the competition (2x2) with a single best average of ~ 8 seconds and earning a trophy and certificate for his impressive performance. This recognition marks another important milestone in Nikhil’s growing cubing career.



Breaking Records and Achieving Milestones

Nikhil’s rise in the world of speed-cubing is punctuated by other multiple record-breaking performances.

  • Guinness World Record: For “Most People solving Rotating Puzzle Cubes simultaneously”

  • Ingenious Charm World Record: For “Most People solving Pyraminx Puzzle Cubes simultaneously online and offline”

  • Jackhi Book of World Records (JBWR) — Youngest Player to Solve Most Country Flags in Rubiks Cube

  • STAR OF FLAIR- MULTIFACETED KID - https://jbwrecords.com/star-of-flair-multifaceted-kid/

  • Active Member: Registered player with the World Cube Association (WCA) , All India Cube Federation (AICF), Tamil Nadu Cube Association (TNCA), and Brainy Bees Cube Tournament

  • Top Performances: Notable success across multiple events in local, regional, state, national, and international competitions.


These milestones are just a few highlights in a series of accomplishments that have earned him recognition on both national and international stages.



Family Support: The Pillar of His Success

Behind every great achievement lies an unwavering support system. For Nikhil, his success in the world of speed cubing is no exception. His family, particularly his parents, Mr. B. Bala Karthik and J. Padma Priya, along with his younger sister, Tharika, have been his biggest cheerleaders. Tharika, always a constant source of encouragement, cheers him on during every competition, creating a powerful and positive environment that fuels his passion.

Nikhil’s family, alongside the guidance and mentorship from experienced cubers, has cultivated the perfect foundation for him to thrive. Their collective support has allowed him to dedicate himself to his craft while remaining grounded in the values of perseverance, hard work, and humility. It’s this blend of love, mentorship, and dedication that continues to inspire Nikhil as he rises to new heights in the cubing world.


The Road Ahead

At just 11 years old, Nikhil’s journey is far from over. His future in cubing is bright, with more competitions, records, and achievements on the horizon. As he continues to refine his skills and push the limits of his capabilities, there is no doubt that Nikhil will continue to inspire young cubers and achieve even greater milestones in the world of speed-cubing.

Nikhil’s story is a testament to the power of passion, family, and mentorship. With his record-breaking achievements and the unwavering support of his loved ones, Nikhil is a true cubing prodigy, poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of competitive cubing.


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