India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 Chess Grandmasters
Anuj Shrivatri secures the 100th title, marking nearly four decades of rapid chess growth.
1Historic Century Milestone
India officially reached a landmark of 100 chess Grandmasters on November 8, 2026. Anuj Shrivatri, a 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, secured this historic title by winning the ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines. This achievement places India among an elite group alongside Russia, the United States, and Germany.
2From Pioneer to Century
Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in December 1987 after a two-year effort. The progress was initially slow, with only four Grandmasters by the year 2000. However, the pace accelerated significantly in recent years, with the country adding 35 new Grandmasters in just the last seven years alone to reach this century.
3Direct Title Qualification
Anuj Shrivatri earned his title directly by winning the ASEAN Plus tournament, bypassing the traditional route. Usually, players must complete three GM norms and reach a FIDE rating of 2,500 Elo points. Norms require a 2,600+ tournament performance over nine rounds against opponents from three federations, including existing Grandmasters and titled players.
4The 99th Predecessor
V.S. Rathnavel was confirmed as India’s 99th Grandmaster earlier in November 2026. He reached the required 2,500 Elo rating at the Guwahati Smart City International Open. Although he had completed his three necessary norms back in 2022, he faced a four-year wait to achieve the specific rating mark required for official confirmation.
5Catalysts for Growth
The rise of Indian chess is attributed to Viswanathan Anand’s early global success, which inspired parental investment and corporate support. The All India Chess Federation expanded infrastructure by organizing frequent tournaments and hosting coaching camps with international experts. This structured environment allowed talent to flourish, similar to the rapid development seen in cricket.
6Global Context of Titles
Since the world chess governing body began awarding titles in 1950, only about 2,000 players worldwide have achieved the Grandmaster status. India’s rapid ascent from zero to 100 in under four decades is statistically significant. While other nations have had seven decades to accumulate titles, India’s surge reflects a modern, highly accelerated development model.
7Academic and Regional Diversity
Anuj Shrivatri, the 100th Grandmaster, is a B.Tech graduate in Computer Science from Lovely Professional University in Punjab. His success marks the first time a player from Madhya Pradesh has achieved the Grandmaster title. This highlights how chess excellence is spreading beyond traditional hubs to include diverse regions and academic backgrounds across India.
8Future Strategic Outlook
With 100 Grandmasters now confirmed, the All India Chess Federation is already looking toward the next goal of 200. The rapid frequency of new titles in 2026, with nine players earning the status this year alone, suggests the momentum will continue. Observers will monitor if this pace remains sustainable in coming years.
Original article: The Hindu – Sport — India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 Chess Grandmasters