Chess is a popular game in India and has a long history in the country. India has produced some of the best players in the world, with several Indians competing at the highest levels of international chess.
We will look at some of the best chess players in India and their achievements.
From Vishwanathan Anand, the first Indian to become a Grandmaster, to Pentala Harikrishna, the current highest-rated Indian player, these players have helped elevate the profile of chess in India and the world.
1. Pentala Harikrishna
Pentala Harikrishna is an Indian chess grandmaster, who has achieved remarkable success in the game over the years.
He achieved the grandmaster title in 2001, when he was just 15 years old, thus becoming the youngest grandmaster from India and breaking the record previously held by Gukesh D. He went on to win several prestigious competitions in the following years.
In 2001, he became the Commonwealth Champion, and in 2004, he was crowned the World Junior Champion. His successes continued as he was declared the Asian Individual Champion in 2011. Harikrishna’s success in chess has made him an Indian chess legend.
He has been an inspiration for many aspiring chess grandmasters in India. He has also achieved international recognition and is considered to be one of the most successful chess players from India.
He is a role model for young players, who aspire to achieve the same level of success he has.
2. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is an Indian chess grandmaster who is widely regarded as a prodigy in the chess world. He achieved the title of international master at the age of 10, which was the youngest ever to do so at the time.
He then went on to become a grandmaster at the age of 12, making him the second-youngest ever to do so.
His achievements have made him a household name in the chess world and have earned him a considerable amount of fame and recognition. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has a long and illustrious career in the chess world.
He has won numerous titles and awards, including the U-12 World Championship in 2017 and the U-18 World Championship in 2018. He has also represented India at the 2018 World Team Chess Championship in China, where he finished with a respectable score of 5.5/9.
His achievements have not only made him a well-known figure in the chess world but have also inspired many young players to take up chess and pursue their goals. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is a living legend in the Indian chess world.
His dedication and hard work have made him one of the most successful chess players in the country. He continues to inspire many with his achievements and is considered a role model for aspiring chess players.
He has also been featured in several media outlets, further increasing his fame and recognition.
3. Adhiban Baskaran
Adhiban Baskaran is an Indian chess Grandmaster, who has achieved great success in the game. He was the 2008 World Under-16 Champion and the 2009 Indian champion, showing his skill and dedication to the game.
Currently, Adhiban is the 21st highest-rated player in India, which is a significant achievement in the chess world. Adhiban is widely known as the Beast, due to his hyper-aggressive style of play.
He is renowned for his aggressive moves on the board, often leading to quick and decisive victories. He has a reputation as a fierce competitor, a trait that has helped him succeed in the chess world.
Adhiban’s dedication to the game and his aggressive play have made him one of the top chess players in India. He has won numerous tournaments and awards and is considered one of the best players in the country.
His skill and determination have made him a force to be reckoned with in the chess world.
4. Krishnan Sasikiran
Krishnan Sasikiran is an Indian chess grandmaster who has achieved great success in the world of chess. He was born in Chennai, India in 1981 and is currently one of the top players in the world.
He has won numerous tournaments, including the World Junior Chess Championship in 2000.
He was also the Asian Individual Chess Champion in 2003. Sasikiran’s success has seen him become a member of the prestigious Grandmaster organization, the highest title a chess player can attain.
He is also a member of the Indian National Chess Team and has represented the country in many international events, such as the Chess Olympiads and World Team Chess Championships. In 2013, Sasikiran was chosen to be one of the seconds for the World Chess Championship, which was held in Chennai, India.
He was a part of Viswanathan Anand’s team and assisted him in the preparation for the championship. His efforts helped Anand to become the World Chess Champion for the fifth time. Sasikiran continues to play in tournaments and compete at the highest level.
His passion for the game and dedication to the sport has made him one of the most respected chess players in the world. He is a role model for aspiring chess players and a great ambassador for Indian chess.
5. Arjun Erigaisi
Arjun Erigaisi is an Indian chess grandmaster who is widely considered to be a prodigy in the game. He achieved the title of grandmaster at an incredibly young age of 14 years, 11 months and 13 days, making him the 32nd youngest person ever to achieve the title of grandmaster.
This remarkable feat has earned him the distinction of being the 54th grandmaster from India. In addition to this, he has also achieved another major milestone in his career by winning the 2022 Indian National Championship.
His accomplishments have put him in the spotlight as one of the most promising young chess players in the world. He has certainly achieved a lot in a short amount of time and will surely continue to inspire and motivate future generations of chess players in India.
6. Nihal Sarin
Nihal Sarin is an Indian chess grandmaster and a chess prodigy. His achievements speak for themselves; at the young age of 14, in 2018, he achieved an Elo rating of 2600, making him the third youngest player in history to do so.
Such an accomplishment is remarkable and speaks to Nihal’s natural talent for the game of chess. Before achieving an Elo rating of 2600, Nihal was already an accomplished junior player, having won the World Under-10 Championship in 2014.
This further cements the idea that Nihal is a passionate and talented chess player, one that is capable of achieving great results at a young age.
By achieving an Elo rating of 2600, Nihal has placed himself among some of the most talented and renowned chess players in the world. His accomplishments truly speak for themselves and it will be interesting to see what else he is capable of achieving in the future.
7. Koneru Humpy
Koneru Humpy is an Indian chess player who has achieved remarkable success in her career. In 2019, she won the FIDE Women’s rapid chess championship, solidifying her status as one of the world’s best chess players.
Even more impressive is the fact that she achieved a major milestone in 2002 when she became the youngest woman ever to become a Grandmaster.
At the time, she was only 15 years, 1 month, and 27 days old, setting a new record that beat out Judit Polgár’s previous record by three months. This amazing accomplishment is a testament to Humpy’s dedication to the game and her extraordinary skill and talent.
She has since gone on to become one of the world’s most successful chess players, and her achievements have been an inspiration to many.
8. Geetha Narayanan Gopal
G.N. Gopal is a remarkable chess player who hails from Cochin, Kerala. He made history in 2007 when he became the first grandmaster from Kerala and the sixteenth grandmaster from India.
His immense talent and hard work paid off when he won the bronze medal in the prestigious 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
This victory marked a milestone in Gopal’s career and was a proud moment for India. Gopal started playing chess at the age of 8 and has been playing ever since. His love for the game has driven him to achieve great heights. His dedication and focus have been key to his success.
He has participated in many international tournaments and has won awards and accolades along the way. Gopal is an inspiration to many aspiring chess players in India. His life story is a testament to the fact that hard work and determination can make dreams come true.
His success has opened up new avenues for aspiring chess players in India and has given them the motivation to reach their goals.
9. Arjun Kalyan
Arjun Kalyan is an accomplished Indian chess player who has achieved the highest possible title in chess, the Grandmaster title.
In April 2021, the international chess governing body, the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), awarded him the Grandmaster title, making him one of the few Indians to achieve the highest level of chess playing.
The Grandmaster title is the highest title a chess player can achieve and is awarded to players who have shown consistent performance and success at the highest level.
Kalyan has achieved many successes, including winning the Indian National U-13 Championship in 2013 and the Commonwealth Under-18 Championship in 2015. He also represented India at the World Junior Championships in 2016 and 2018, achieving a top-ten placement in the later.
Kalyan has proven himself to be a master of the game, and his achievement of the Grandmaster title is a testament to his skill and commitment to chess. His success is a source of inspiration to aspiring chess players, and his example encourages them to strive for excellence.
10. Leon Luke Mendonca
Leon Luke Mendonca is an Indian chess player who has achieved a remarkable feat. He is the sixty-seventh Indian to qualify for the title of Grandmaster, one of the highest titles in the world of chess.
This title is awarded by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and is a recognition of the highest level of skill in chess.
Leon Luke Mendonca was awarded the title of Grandmaster in January 2021, a momentous achievement for him and one that will be remembered for generations to come. His success reflects the growing strength of Indian chess and the dedication and hard work of Indian chess players.
With his success, Mendonca is a source of inspiration for the rising chess players of India, and he is sure to leave a lasting legacy.
11. Diptayan Ghosh
Diptayan Ghosh is an acclaimed chess player hailing from Kolkata, India. He is a Grandmaster, an esteemed title in the world of chess, which he achieved at the mere age of 17.
This feat was made possible after he achieved his third and final norm at the HDBank International Chess Open Tournament in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in March 2016.
This tournament was the culmination of his arduous journey to become a Grandmaster, a path that was not easy to tread.To become a Grandmaster, a chess player must obtain three norms. A norm is a performance rating determined by the World Chess Federation.
The criteria to obtain a norm is to score at least 25% in a given tournament.
Ghosh managed to do this on three separate occasions, in three different tournaments. It was an incredible achievement for Ghosh, who had to overcome numerous obstacles to reach the pinnacle of his craft.
He had to be mentally and physically prepared to battle the best players in the world and hone his skills to become a Grandmaster. His hard work and dedication to the game paid off in the end, and Ghosh is now an inspiration for young chess players all over the world.
12. Magesh Chandran Panchanathan
Magesh Chandran Panchanathan is an Indian chess player hailing from the city of Madurai. He achieved a major milestone in his career in 2006, becoming the recipient of the prestigious title of Grandmaster, awarded to him by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
This achievement was preceded by an equally impressive feat when in 2003 Magesh Chandran won the Asian Junior Chess Championship in Sri Lanka.
This further solidified his credentials as an elite chess player and propped him up as a serious contender in the world of competitive chess.
His hard work and dedication to the game has paid off in the form of numerous accolades, making Magesh Chandran one of the most accomplished Indian chess players of all time.
13. J. Deepan Chakkravarthy
J. Deepan Chakkravarthy is an Indian chess player who was born in Madurai. He achieved great success in the field of chess, including being awarded the Grandmaster title by FIDE in 2006. Deepan Chakkravarthy has also won the Asian Junior Chess Championship in 2002.
In the 2004 edition, he was very close to winning, but he ended up finishing in second place after S. Arun Prasad on a tiebreak score. This shows his dedication and skill in the game of chess, as he was able to compete at a very high level despite being relatively young.
14. Srinath Narayanan
Srinath Narayanan is an Indian chess player who is a grandmaster recognized by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs). He was given the official title of Grandmaster in August 2017. Narayanan was born in Chennai, India, and has achieved major success in chess tournaments.
In 2012, 2013 and 2014, he won the Asian Junior Chess Championship – a major tournament that brings together talented chess players from around Asia.
This feat was remarkable for Narayanan and cemented his reputation as one of India’s best chess players. His success in the tournament and determination to become a grandmaster was fulfilled in 2017.
He was awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE, a major milestone for any chess player.
This achievement also shows Narayanan’s dedication to the game and his commitment to becoming one of the best players in the world. Narayanan’s success in the Asian Junior Chess Championship and his achievement of the Grandmaster title shows his immense talent and hard work.
He is an inspiration to aspiring chess players around the world and has certainly put India on the map as a formidable force in the chess world.
15. Tania Sachdev
Tania Sachdev is an accomplished and highly acclaimed chess player from India. She has earned two prestigious FIDE titles, International Master and Woman Grandmaster. She is a two-time Indian women’s chess champion, having won the title in 2006 and 2007.
She is also the one-time Asian women’s chess champion from 2007 and has won the Commonwealth Women’s Chess Championship three times in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Tania Sachdev has achieved a lot of success in her career and is a notable figure in the chess world.
She is a strong advocate for the game, having conducted many chess workshops and seminars to promote the sport. Her commitment and dedication to the game of chess have earned her much respect and admiration.
She continues to be a role model to many aspiring chess players and is a source of inspiration for them.
16. Padmini Rout
Padmini Rout is an extraordinary talent in the world of chess. She is an Indian chess player and has achieved impressive titles in her career. She is an International Master and holds the title of Woman Grandmaster, which is a huge accomplishment in itself.
On top of that, she has won the National Women’s Premier title four times consecutively from 2014 to 2017. To add to her impressive achievements, she was also the Asian Women’s Champion of 2018. Her success in the game of chess is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
She is an inspiration to many chess players around the world and her feats are certainly something to be proud of.
17. Nandhidhaa PV
Pallathur Venkatachalam Nandhidhaa is an outstanding chess player from the state of Tamilnadu in India. She holds two prestigious FIDE titles, the Woman Grandmaster and the Woman International Master.
Nandhidhaa is the 17th Woman Grandmaster of India, a remarkable achievement in the world of chess. She is highly respected in the chess community for her skill and dedication. Nandhidhaa has been playing chess since a young age and her hard work and commitment has paid off.
She has competed in many national and international tournaments and has been successful in each and every one of them.
She has achieved the highest ranking among Indian women players, demonstrating her expertise and knowledge of the game. Nandhidhaa is an inspiration for many budding chess players in India and across the globe.
She stands as a testament to the fact that hard work and dedication can help you achieve great things. She is a role model for aspiring chess players and her example should serve as a motivation to continue to strive for excellence.
18. Bhagyashree Thipsay
Bhagyashree Thipsay is an Indian chess player who holds the title of Woman International Master (WIM). She has had an impressive career winning the Indian Women’s Championship five times, and was crowned champion of the Asian Women’s Championship in 1991.
In 1984, Bhagyashree achieved the remarkable feat of being the joint winner of the British Ladies’ Championship with Vasanti Unni. Her impressive achievements demonstrate the level of skill and dedication she has to the sport of chess.
Bhagyashree is an inspiration for aspiring female chess players and is a testament to the progress that women in India have made in the game of chess.
19. Kiran Manisha Mohanty
Kiran Manisha Mohanty is a talented Indian chess player who holds the prestigious title of Woman Grandmaster.
She has achieved a great deal of success in the world of chess, and her notable accomplishments include being the runner-up of the Asian Junior Girls Championship held in New Delhi in 2006.
This achievement was a remarkable feat, as it demonstrates her immense skill and dedication to the game of chess. Kiran Manisha Mohanty has been playing chess since a young age, and her hard work and dedication has enabled her to reach the highest level of chess competition.
She is a leading figure in the Indian chess community, and her success in the Asian Junior Girls Championship is a testament to her remarkable talent and skill. Not only has Kiran Manisha Mohanty achieved success in chess but she has also been an advocate for the game.
She is a member of the All India Chess Federation, and her passion and enthusiasm for the game has encouraged more people to take up the sport.
Kiran Manisha Mohanty is an incredible chess player and her success in the Asian Junior Girls Championship is an inspiration to aspiring chess players. Her passion and dedication to the game are admirable, and she is an excellent role model for young chess players.
20. Srija Seshadri
Srija Seshadri is an Indian female chess player who has achieved great success in the game. She is an inspiration for young female chess players in India. In July 2019, she was awarded the title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
This title is usually awarded to players who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the game. Srija Seshadri is the first player from India to receive this title, and it was a major milestone in her career.
She has since gone on to win several tournaments in India and abroad. She is now an inspiration to all female chess players in India, and her achievements have been a source of pride for her country.
21. Anupama Gokhale
Anupama Gokhale is an accomplished Indian chess player. She has won the Indian Women’s Championship five times and the Asian Women’s Championship twice.
Her greatest success came in 1985 when she was joint winner of the Asian Junior Girls’ Championship in Adelaide with Malaysian player Audrey Wong.
This achievement is especially impressive as it came against players from all over Asia, and shows the skill and dedication that Anupama has for the game of chess. Anupama has been playing the game since a young age, and her talent and commitment has been evident in her many successes.
Her commitment to the game has been rewarded with multiple championships, which has made her a respected figure in the international chess world. Anupama is a role model for aspiring chess players in India and has shown that hard work and dedication can bring great success.
She has achieved much in her career and is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance.
22. Dhyani Dave
Dhyani Dave is an accomplished chess player from India who holds the FIDE title of Woman International Master. This is an impressive feat, as it is the highest title a female chess player can achieve.
She has won several tournaments, including gold medals at the Under 14 Asian Chess Championship and the Under 16 Commonwealth Chess Championship. Additionally, she is a silver medalist at the Under 10 Asian Championship and the Under 12 Commonwealth Championship.
Her track record is a testament to her skill and dedication to the game of chess. She is an inspiration to aspiring chess players all over the world.
23. Ramachandran Ramesh
Ramachandran Ramesh, also known as R. B. Ramesh, is an Indian chess grandmaster who hails from Chennai. He is highly respected in the Indian chess community as he is a two-time champion, winning the 2002 British Championship and the 2007 Commonwealth Championship.
He is married to WGM Aarthie Ramaswamy, and they are India’s first-ever Grandmaster couple. Ramesh has been playing chess since the age of 9 and is one of the most respected chess players in the country.
He has been part of many national and international championships and has achieved numerous titles and awards. His success in chess can be attributed to his hard work and dedication to the game. He has been an inspiration to many aspiring chess players in India.
Ramesh and Aarthie have been married since 2009 and they have been an inspiration to many couples in the chess community. They have shown that it is possible to be successful in chess and at the same time have a successful marriage.
They both share a strong bond and have managed to maintain a balanced and healthy relationship while achieving success in their respective careers. Ramesh and Aarthie have been an example of what a successful chess couple can achieve.
They are both highly respected chess players in India and have paved the way for many more aspiring chess players to reach the heights of success.
Conclusion
India has long been a powerhouse in chess, with some of the greatest players in the world coming from the country.
India’s finest chess players, including Vishwanathan Anand, Viswanathan Anand, and Pentala Harikrishna, have all achieved incredible success in international tournaments.
India is also home to countless other chess players who have achieved remarkable success in the game and will continue to produce some of the best players in the world for years to come.
