Chess is a game with a rich history in India, and it continues to grow in popularity even in modern times. Many kings and royalties have spent time playing chess. Millions of Indians follow the game; the country boasts many talented players who have made their moves on an international chessboard. A few of them have attained the title of Grandmaster, the highest title awarded to chess players by FIDE, the global chess organisation. Continue reading further to explore India’s legendary chess legacy and meet its top 10 Grandmasters.
Chess in India: A Legacy of Brilliance
Do you know when this captivating game began in India? Chess originated in India over 1,500 years ago. Our ancestors enjoyed strategic board games for leisure and honed logical thinking. Even today, casual players can be seen absorbed in games at community centres and parks nationwide. India has produced many chess legends over decades who dominated international tournaments with their creative playstyles. Their achievements put our great country’s name on the world chess map.
Who are Grandmasters?
Grandmaster (GM) is the highest title awarded to chess players by FIDE, the International Chess Federation. Players must achieve a FIDE rating of at least 2,500 to become a GM and fulfil multiple tournament norms. These norms are earned by exceeding a set performance benchmark in competitions against strong opponents. Earning the GM title signifies exceptional chess skill. You would be amazed to know India has produced around 84 grandmasters as of 2023. Isn’t that fascinating? Does the title intrigue you to play well, too?
Here are the top 10 grandmasters in India
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Viswanathan Anand (Tamil Nadu)
Who hasn’t heard of Vishwanathan Anand regarding the greatest chess players in India? Viswanathan Anand (52) is the undisputed giant from Tamil Nadu who reigned at the top of world chess for over two decades. He is India’s first-ever GM and the only player to have won the FIDE World Championship five times. Anand continues to be an inspiration for millions with his never-give-up attitude.
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Arjun Erigaisi (Telangana)
At just 19, Erigaisi has already achieved the title of Grandmaster. He completed the GM title at just 12 years old and is currently India’s highest-rated player and among the top 30 in the world.
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Praggnanandhaa R (Tamil Nadu)
Praggnanandhaa is another immensely talented teenager. At age 12, he became India’s second-youngest GM. At 16, he defeated some all-time greats like Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand.
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Vidit Gujrathi (Maharashtra)
Do you know who the current National Champion is? It is only Vidit Gujrathi (25) from Maharashtra, with three national titles. A solid positional player and an exceptional endgame technique make Vidit one of India’s most consistent performers.
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Gukesh D (Tamil Nadu)
At just 16, Gukesh recently became the world’s second-youngest GM ever. He combines youthful aggression with remarkable precision, defeating several established veterans already.
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Pentala Harikrishna (Andhra Pradesh)
Pentala Harikrishna (37) is India’s number 2 player with the highest rating of 2746. A model of calm and composure over the 64 squares. He has beaten numerous top-10 players in his career. He still strives for super-GM norms and more titles.
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Koneru Humpy (Andhra Pradesh)
Humpy is the only woman from India with the GM title. She holds the world record with 9 Women’s World Championship titles. Humpy continues to balance marriage and motherhood with her professional chess career effortlessly.
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Krishnan Sasikiran (Tamil Nadu)
The steady and energetic Krishnan Sasikiran (51) from Tamil Nadu is a prolific winner of national and international tournaments. One of India’s all-time greatest attackers, ‘Krish‘ dazzles with his intuitive sacrifices and speed of play. Even at 51, he retains his elite playing strength.
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Surya Sekhar Ganguly (West Bengal)
Surya Sekhar Ganguly (57) is renowned for his extraordinary calculation skills. With 30 years of experience at the highest levels, ‘Surya‘ has displayed strong nerves against the most formidable opponents; Surya Ganguly achieved the rare feat of beating both World Champions Anand and Kasparov during his career.
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Parimarjan Negi (Delhi)
Parimarjan Negi (33) from Delhi won the national title and battled Kramnik and Anand in his peak years. Negi is currently a coach and commentator. What set him apart was his positional mastery and deep opening preparation.
India’s Chess Future: Bright and Promising
India has already produced prodigies such as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun, excelling internationally in their teenage years. We will be able to deliver top talent at an even faster rate. Our exposure to the game since childhood and well-developed grassroots have contributed to a vibrant “chess culture.” Additionally, growing sponsorship figures will see India’s emerging young talent hungry for worldwide honours in the coming decades.
Overall, Indian chess history is long and storied, and it is a part of our tradition that we should all be pleased with. We have grandmasters who lifted our national esteem all around the globe. Now, the new generation of grandmasters is already rehashing the same history. Thus, the future of Indian chess is even more brilliant than ever. What do you think – can India produce its first-ever World Chess Champion in the coming years?
