India Reaches a Century of Chess Grandmasters
India has achieved a remarkable milestone in the world of chess, with 22-year-old Anuj Shrivatri becoming the nation's 100th Grandmaster. Shrivatri secured the coveted title by triumphing at the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship, held in Ozamiz City, Philippines. His victory not only earned him the direct Grandmaster title but also made him the very first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh.
Hailing from Katni, Shrivatri's path to the title was marked by a strong comeback. After losing his opening round, he finished the event with an impressive 7 points from 8 games, ultimately sealing both the championship and his historic Grandmaster status.
Prime Minister Modi Hails National Achievement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Anuj Shrivatri, describing India reaching 100 Grandmasters as a "remarkable milestone" for Indian chess. In a post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted that this achievement reflects the "immense talent, dedication and hard work of our players, as well as the growing popularity of chess among our youth."
Modi also noted the encouraging trend of young chess talents emerging from diverse regions across the country, making their mark on the global stage, and expressed hope that this success would inspire many more youngsters to pursue excellence in chess.
A Journey Spanning Decades
The journey to India's 100th Grandmaster began 38 years ago when Viswanathan Anand became the nation's first Grandmaster in 1988. Shrivatri's achievement underscores the significant depth and growth India has cultivated in the sport over nearly four decades. Anand himself congratulated Shrivatri, calling the milestone "a cracker of a 100."
This landmark moment is also particularly significant for Madhya Pradesh, which had not previously produced a chess Grandmaster. Shrivatri's success adds a new name to India's expanding pool of chess talent and marks a proud moment for his home state.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation, also congratulated the young player, terming it a "historic moment" for Indian chess and expressing optimism that India would now set its sights on 200 Grandmasters. Shrivatri's personal story—reportedly turning down a corporate software role to dedicate himself full-time to chess—serves as a powerful inspiration.
His success comes at a time when Indian chess is witnessing Grandmasters emerge from across the country, moving beyond traditional chess centers. This milestone is expected to further encourage young players nationwide to seriously pursue the game, fueling its continued growth and popularity.