India Reaches 100 Chess Grandmasters: Anuj Shrivatri Makes History with Landmark Achievement

Indian chess has reached a historic milestone, with the country producing its 100th Grandmaster. Anuj Shrivatri, a 22-year-old player from Madhya Pradesh, entered the record books after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines on November 8.

His achievement marks a defining moment for Indian chess, bringing an extraordinary journey that began with Viswanathan Anand in 1988 to a century of Grandmasters.

For Shrivatri, the victory is the result of years of dedication, sacrifices and an unwavering commitment to the game. He has also become the first chess Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh, giving the state a historic place in India's growing chess story.

Anuj Shrivatri Becomes India's 100th Grandmaster

Shrivatri secured the prestigious Grandmaster title through his victory at the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship, held in the Philippines.

The tournament provided a special FIDE-approved route to the direct Grandmaster title for its winner, allowing Shrivatri to achieve the milestone through a single competition rather than the conventional route of collecting three Grandmaster norms and reaching a rating of 2,500.

His achievement was particularly impressive considering that he lost his opening-round game against a local opponent. Instead of allowing the setback to derail his campaign, Shrivatri bounced back with a strong run of results to finish at the top.

The All India Chess Federation celebrated the achievement, describing him as Grandmaster No. 100 for India and congratulating him on a historic moment for the country.

From Viswanathan Anand to 100 Grandmasters: India's Chess Journey

India's journey towards 100 Grandmasters began with Viswanathan Anand, who became the country's first player to earn the title in 1988.

At the time, Indian chess had limited international recognition, and Anand's achievement opened doors for an entire generation of aspiring players. He went on to become a five-time world champion, inspiring countless youngsters to consider chess as more than just a hobby.

Dibyendu Barua became India's second Grandmaster in 1991, followed by Praveen Thipsay in 1997. The numbers grew gradually in the following years, with India reaching 32 Grandmasters by 2013 and crossing the halfway mark of 50 in 2017.

The growth accelerated dramatically after that. India added its next 50 Grandmasters in less than nine years, with 10 players achieving the title in 2026 alone.

From Anand's breakthrough to Shrivatri's historic victory, Indian chess has transformed into a powerful force on the global stage.

Indian Chess Grandmasters: Tamil Nadu Leads the Way

India's growing Grandmaster community also reflects the increasing geographical reach of chess across the country.

Tamil Nadu remains the leading state, accounting for 38 of India's 100 Grandmasters. Maharashtra and West Bengal are also major contributors, together with Tamil Nadu representing around 65 per cent of the country's Grandmaster tally.

However, the latest milestone highlights how the game is expanding beyond its traditional centres.

Shrivatri's achievement makes Madhya Pradesh the latest state to produce a Grandmaster. Indian chess now has Grandmasters representing 14 states, including Assam, Rajasthan and Goa.

This wider representation suggests that the country's chess ecosystem is gradually reaching more regions, creating opportunities for talented players outside established chess hubs.

Who Is Anuj Shrivatri? The Journey Behind India's 100th Grandmaster

Anuj Shrivatri's journey to the top is a story of determination and a bold decision to follow his passion.

Originally from Katni in Madhya Pradesh, Shrivatri started playing chess at the age of seven in 2011. He developed his skills under different coaches and eventually earned the International Master title in 2020.

However, his progress was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected tournament opportunities and slowed his journey towards becoming a Grandmaster.

Shrivatri also had another career option. After completing his engineering degree with a specialisation in artificial intelligence and machine learning, he secured a software engineering job with a German company.

He eventually decided to give up the professional opportunity to focus on chess full-time. The decision required considerable commitment from both him and his family, who supported his international tournament ambitions despite the financial challenges involved.

His father, Ashok Shrivatri, played an important role in supporting his dream, helping him travel to tournaments and continue developing as a player.

That investment has now delivered a historic reward, with Anuj becoming the 100th Grandmaster in Indian chess history.

India's New Generation of Chess Stars

Shrivatri's achievement comes during an exciting period for Indian chess. The country has produced several internationally recognised players who are challenging established names and competing for major titles.

D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in 2024. R Praggnanandhaa has established himself among the world's strongest players, while Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin continue to strengthen India's presence in elite competitions.

Indian women have also made significant progress. Koneru Humpy became the country's first female Grandmaster, followed by Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh.

The rise of these players demonstrates that India's chess success is no longer dependent on a single generation or individual. It is being sustained by a growing network of talented players, experienced coaches, training academies and supportive families.

What Does India's 100th Grandmaster Milestone Mean for the Future?

Reaching 100 Grandmasters is an important achievement, but it also raises expectations for the future of Indian chess.

Better access to chess engines, online training, international tournaments and professional coaching has helped young players develop their skills faster. At the same time, the growing popularity of the sport has encouraged more families and institutions to invest in emerging talent.

However, becoming a Grandmaster remains a demanding journey. Players need years of preparation, strong tournament performances, financial support and opportunities to compete against high-level opponents.

India's latest milestone shows how far the country has progressed since Anand's breakthrough nearly four decades ago.

For Shrivatri, the achievement will remain a defining moment in his career. For Indian chess, it represents something even bigger: the arrival of a century of Grandmasters and the possibility of an even stronger future.

The first 100 have taken Indian chess from a solitary pioneer to a global powerhouse. The next chapter could be even more exciting.