By Newswire Editorial
India has reached a historic milestone in chess after 22-year-old Anuj Shrivatri became the country’s 100th Grandmaster, nearly four decades after legendary player Viswanathan Anand became India’s first.
Shrivatri achieved the landmark by winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines on Sunday (8).
The victory also made him the first chess Grandmaster from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Despite losing his opening match, Shrivatri staged an impressive comeback, securing seven points from nine rounds to win the championship.
His achievement is particularly remarkable as he reportedly gave up a career in software engineering to pursue his dream of becoming a chess Grandmaster.
The young player previously earned the International Master title in 2020 and continued competing internationally to achieve the highest title in chess.
India’s Grandmaster journey began in 1988 when five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand became the country’s first player to earn the prestigious title.
Since then, the country has emerged as a major force in international chess, producing leading players including reigning world champion D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi.
India added its five most recent Grandmasters between July and November 2026, highlighting the rapid growth of chess talent in the country.
All India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang congratulated Shrivatri, describing the achievement as a proud moment for Indian chess and setting the next ambition of reaching 200 Grandmasters.
Shrivatri’s historic achievement coincided with Diwali celebrations, giving Indian chess enthusiasts another reason to celebrate. (Newswire/Indian Media)