THE CRA PERSPECTIVE • WORLD HERITAGE THE ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES OF LALIBELA Ethiopia's Extraordinary City Carved from Living Stone Eleven medieval churches. One extraordinary architectural legacy. Lalibela, Ethiopia • UNESCO World Heritage Site An illustrative artistic interpretation of Lalibela's extraordinary rock-hewn architecture. Imagine entering a place where the walls, pillars, windows, roofs and entire sacred buildings are not assembled from bricks or stones, but carved out of one enormous mass of solid rock. Deep in the Ethiopian highlands lies a remarkable architectural wonder that seems to challenge the limits of human imagination. Known as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela , this extraordinary complex consists of eleven medieval churches carved directly into volcanic rock. Some stand within enormous sunken courtyards. Others are surrounded by trenches, tunnels and passages. Their architecture reflects remarkable craftsmanship, religious...
THE CRA PERSPECTIVE • INDIA & SPORTS
INDIA'S 100 CHESS GRANDMASTERS
A Historic Century on the Global Chessboard
100 Grandmasters • One Nation • A Legacy of Excellence
November 2026
A landmark achievement for Indian chess and a proud moment for the nation.
India has reached a century in chess! From producing its first Grandmaster in 1988 to welcoming its 100th in November 2026, India's journey has been one of determination, talent, discipline and remarkable sporting progress.
This is more than a numerical achievement. It represents generations of players who have spent countless hours studying openings, analysing positions, competing in tournaments and pursuing excellence on the 64-square battlefield.
With Anuj Shrivatri becoming India's 100th chess Grandmaster, the country has entered a special chapter in its sporting history. India is now widely recognised as the fourth country to reach the milestone of 100 Grandmasters, following Russia, the United States and Germany.
THE HISTORIC MILESTONE
100
Indian Chess Grandmasters
Achieved in November 2026, nearly four decades after India's first Grandmaster emerged.
1. Anuj Shrivatri: The Grandmaster Who Completed India's Century
The historic milestone was achieved by Anuj Shrivatri, a 22-year-old chess player from Katni, Madhya Pradesh.
He secured the Grandmaster title after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship, held in the Philippines. His victory on 8 November 2026 made him India's 100th Grandmaster and the first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh.
Anuj's achievement was particularly impressive because he recovered from an opening-round defeat and went on to deliver a strong tournament performance. He finished with seven points from nine rounds, earning the title through his victory in the event.
His success is a reminder that a difficult beginning does not determine the final result. Persistence, preparation and the ability to recover from setbacks can change the course of a competition.
Anuj Shrivatri – At a Glance
- Age: 22 years
- Hometown: Katni, Madhya Pradesh
- Milestone: India's 100th Grandmaster
- Achievement: Winner of the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship
- Historic distinction: First Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh
2. India's Chess Journey: From One Grandmaster to One Hundred
India's Grandmaster journey began with a name that transformed the country's relationship with chess: Viswanathan Anand.
In 1988, Anand became India's first Grandmaster. At that time, the achievement was extraordinary. Chess was still developing as a professional sport in India, and the path to international recognition was challenging.
Anand's international success helped change that landscape. His achievements inspired young players, encouraged greater interest in competitive chess and demonstrated that Indian players could compete at the highest level.
Dibyendu Barua became India's second Grandmaster in 1991, followed by Praveen Thipsay in 1997. The numbers grew gradually at first, before accelerating significantly in the 21st century.
A brief timeline of Indian chess
1988
Viswanathan Anand becomes India's first Grandmaster.
1991
Dibyendu Barua becomes India's second Grandmaster.
1997
Praveen Thipsay becomes India's third Grandmaster.
2013
India reaches 32 Grandmasters.
2017
India reaches the halfway mark of 50 Grandmasters.
2026
India celebrates its 100th Grandmaster, Anuj Shrivatri.
The remarkable feature of this journey is its acceleration. It took many years to build the first half-century, while the next 50 Grandmasters emerged in less than a decade.
3. The Four Countries to Reach 100 Grandmasters
India's achievement places it among a select group of chess-producing nations. The milestone is widely reported as making India the fourth country to reach 100 Grandmasters.
| Order | Country | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 100+ Grandmasters |
| 2 | United States | 100+ Grandmasters |
| 3 | Germany | 100+ Grandmasters |
| 4 | India | 100 Grandmasters |
Country comparisons can vary depending on the date of the FIDE list and whether newly earned titles awaiting formal publication are counted. The table reflects the milestone reported in November 2026, rather than a permanent ranking of active players.
4. The Viswanathan Anand Effect: A Pioneer Who Inspired a Generation
It is difficult to discuss India's chess success without recognising the contribution of Viswanathan Anand.
Before Anand, the Grandmaster title was an extraordinary achievement for an Indian player. His rise to international prominence changed expectations and gave young chess enthusiasts a powerful example to follow.
Anand went on to become a five-time World Chess Champion. His achievements helped establish India as a serious force in international chess.
His influence extended beyond his own tournament victories. He inspired players, strengthened the country's chess culture and contributed to the development of younger talent through initiatives such as the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy.
When India reached 100 Grandmasters, Anand himself congratulated Anuj Shrivatri. It was a fitting connection between the player who opened the door and the player who completed the century.
5. India's New Generation of Chess Stars
India's rise has been powered by a generation of talented players who have achieved remarkable success at national and international levels.
Some of the prominent names associated with India's modern chess movement include:
- D. Gukesh: The youngest undisputed World Chess Champion, whose achievement brought enormous international attention to Indian chess.
- R. Praggnanandhaa: An exceptional young player known for his achievements in elite international competitions.
- Arjun Erigaisi: One of India's leading players, recognised for his strength in classical and faster time-control formats.
- Nihal Sarin: A prominent talent known for his dynamic playing style and rapid chess skills.
- Vidit Gujrathi: An accomplished Grandmaster who has represented India in major international competitions.
- Vaishali Rameshbabu: A leading Indian woman Grandmaster and an important figure in the growth of women's chess.
These players represent different styles, backgrounds and generations, but they share a common quality: the ability to compete with the world's best.
6. India's Chess Map Is Expanding
One of the most encouraging aspects of the 100-Grandmaster milestone is the widening geographical spread of chess talent in India.
Tamil Nadu has been a major centre of Indian chess development, producing a large share of the country's Grandmasters. Maharashtra and West Bengal have also contributed significantly.
However, talent is no longer concentrated in only a few traditional centres. Players from states such as Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and other regions are increasingly making their mark.
Anuj Shrivatri's achievement is particularly symbolic because he became the first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh. It demonstrates that world-class chess talent can emerge from many parts of India.
For the next generation, this sends an encouraging message: a player's hometown does not have to determine the scale of their ambitions.
7. What Does It Take to Become a Chess Grandmaster?
The title of Grandmaster, awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is one of the highest achievements in competitive chess.
Under the traditional title requirements, a player generally needs to achieve a FIDE rating of at least 2500 at some point and secure three Grandmaster norms under the prescribed tournament conditions. The regulations also include specific requirements concerning opponents, performance and tournament participation.
There are special provisions in FIDE regulations through which certain tournament victories can award the title directly. Anuj Shrivatri's 2026 achievement came through such a direct-title event.
The qualities behind the title
- Deep concentration: The ability to analyse complex positions for long periods.
- Strategic thinking: Planning several moves ahead while understanding the opponent's intentions.
- Memory and preparation: Studying openings, games, patterns and theoretical positions.
- Emotional control: Remaining composed after mistakes, losses and difficult positions.
- Consistency: Performing at a high level across multiple tournaments.
- Resilience: Learning from defeats and returning stronger.
Behind every Grandmaster title are years of preparation, sacrifices, coaching, family support and competitive experience.
8. Why Is Chess Important for Young Students?
Chess is not simply a competitive sport. It can also be an educational activity that encourages young people to think carefully and make decisions.
Playing chess can help develop:
- Critical thinking: Examining different possibilities before choosing a move.
- Problem-solving: Finding solutions when faced with difficult positions.
- Patience: Understanding that good decisions often require time.
- Planning: Thinking beyond the immediate move and considering future consequences.
- Discipline: Practising regularly and learning from mistakes.
- Sportsmanship: Respecting opponents, accepting results and competing fairly.
Chess should not be viewed as a replacement for other academic or physical activities. Rather, it can be a valuable addition to a balanced educational experience.
9. The Road Ahead: From 100 to 200 Grandmasters
Reaching 100 Grandmasters is a milestone, but it can also become the starting point for a new phase of development.
India now has an opportunity to strengthen its chess ecosystem through:
- More chess programmes in schools and colleges.
- Better access to qualified coaches and structured training.
- More national and international tournaments within India.
- Financial support and scholarships for promising young players.
- Greater opportunities for girls and women in competitive chess.
- Training facilities and opportunities for players from smaller towns.
- Stronger support for players who wish to pursue chess professionally.
The next milestone should not be measured only by the number of titles. It should also reflect a wider and more inclusive chess culture, where talented players from every region and background have an opportunity to develop.
Conclusion: A Century of Grandmasters, A Future Full of Possibilities
From Viswanathan Anand's historic achievement in 1988 to Anuj Shrivatri's landmark victory in November 2026, India's chess journey tells a story of extraordinary progress.
The achievement of 100 Grandmasters reflects the dedication of players, coaches, families, institutions and organisations that have contributed to the development of chess in the country.
It also demonstrates how one individual's success can inspire an entire generation. Anand helped ignite the movement. The champions who followed strengthened it. And now, the 100th Grandmaster has opened another chapter in India's chess story.
♟ 🇮🇳 ♟
THE CRA PERSPECTIVE
100 Grandmasters. Countless dreams. One growing chess nation.
The greatest victory is not merely reaching a milestone, but inspiring the next generation to dream beyond it.
A Thought for Young India
Every Grandmaster was once a beginner who made a first move on a chessboard. Every champion experienced defeat, every successful player faced difficult positions, and every milestone began with a decision to keep learning.
“Think deeply. Play bravely. Learn from every move. Your next great move may change your future.”
Sources and Further Reading
- Press Information Bureau – Prime Minister congratulates India's 100th Grandmaster
- Prime Minister's Office – Anuj Shrivatri's achievement
- Chess.com – Anuj Shrivatri becomes India's 100th Grandmaster
- The Indian Express – India's 100th Grandmaster
- FIDE – International Chess Federation
- All India Chess Federation
Editorial note: The 100th Grandmaster milestone was achieved by Anuj Shrivatri on 8 November 2026. The country comparison reflects contemporary reporting of the milestone. FIDE's published rating lists and national milestone counts may differ temporarily when newly earned titles are awaiting formal publication.
CRA ARTS | THE CRA PERSPECTIVE
A space for art, ideas, and reflections that inspire awareness and meaningful change.
Comments
Post a Comment