India’s Rise: A New Era in Global Chess

Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988, and for years he remained the only one. His success in international tournaments throughout the 1990s and 2000s gave young Indian players a clear role model to follow.

The growth accelerated steadily: by 2010, India had around 20 GMs; in 2018, the count crossed 50; and by July 2025, it had climbed to 88. To earn the GM title, players must achieve three GM norms and reach a FIDE rating of 2500. In rare cases, winning certain world titles grants the title directly.

Divya Deshmukh from Maharashtra became India’s 88th Grandmaster in July 2025 by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup. She is the fourth Indian woman to earn the prestigious title.

Her achievement was unique — she skipped the traditional route of accumulating three GM norms and a 2500 rating. By winning the World Cup, she earned the title directly. Her victory represents more than personal triumph; it proves that Indian women now compete and win on chess’s biggest stages.

India’s chess excellence is not evenly distributed. Several states have emerged as powerhouses, each contributing significantly to the GM count through dedicated infrastructure, coaching networks, and school programs.

India’s current generation doesn’t just collect titles — they compete with the world’s absolute best. In 2024, four Indian players ranked in the global top 30, a remarkable achievement for any chess nation.

• D. Gukesh (Tamil Nadu): Youngest Indian to beat Magnus Carlsen; excels at Olympiad and Candidates level
• R. Praggnanandhaa (Tamil Nadu): Reached 2023 FIDE World Cup final; known for calm style and deep preparation
• Arjun Erigaisi (Telangana): Rapid rise; excels in both rapid and classical formats
• Nihal Sarin (Kerala): Blitz and rapid specialist; steadily improving in classical chess
• Raunak Sadhwani (Maharashtra): Teenager playing at elite level with promising rating trajectory

India now has four female Grandmasters — each fought through challenges and set new benchmarks for women in Indian chess.

• Koneru Humpy: India’s first female GM; former Women’s World Rapid Champion; blends deep calculation with adaptability
• Harika Dronavalli: From Andhra Pradesh; multiple world title events; stayed in global top ten for over a decade
• R. Vaishali: Sister of Praggnanandhaa; approaching world’s top five women; remarkable family chess story
• Divya Deshmukh: At 19, won Women’s World Cup 2025; signals strong future for Indian women’s chess

India’s chess scene was built by a few early players who cleared the path for future generations.

• Viswanathan Anand: India’s first GM and five-time world champion; made chess popular nationwide; continues mentoring young talent
• Pentala Harikrishna: Strong classical player; stayed in world top 20 for years
• Krishnan Sasikiran: Key player in early 2000s; Olympiad gold winner; guided younger players
• Dibyendu Barua: India’s second GM; started West Bengal’s chess movement; trained many students

India now competes, not just participates. In the 2022 and 2024 Chess Olympiads, Indian teams ranked near the top. The women’s teams also performed strongly. Indian juniors regularly win age-group world titles.

In 2024, four Indian players — Gukesh, Arjun, Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit — ranked in the world’s top 30. Their games are featured in elite tournaments, and coaches worldwide now study Indian games with keen interest.

The support ecosystem has matured: the All India Chess Federation (AICF), private academies, corporate sponsors, and school programs all contribute. Online platforms like ChessBase India and Chess.com India, along with YouTube content creators, have made chess accessible to millions.