22-yr-old Anuj Shrivatri India’s 100th chess Grandmaster

International Master Anuj Shrivatri of Madhya Pradesh became India’s 100th chess Grandmaster after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines on November 8. The 22-year-old also became the first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant milestone for Indian chess.

According to the All-India Chess Federation (AICF), Shrivatri secured the Grandmaster title through his performance at the championship held in the Philippines. He scored seven points from nine rounds. The tournament’s final standings, published by ChessBase India, confirmed his score of 7/9.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand congratulated Shrivatri on the achievement.
In his congratulatory message on X, PM Modi described the milestone as a reflection of the talent, dedication and hard work of Indian chess players. He also highlighted the growing popularity of chess among young Indians and said the achievement would inspire more youngsters to take up the sport.

Anand joined the celebrations with a Diwali greeting on X, writing, “Happy Diwali. A cracker of a 100.” He also recalled that December 2027 would mark 40 years since he earned his Grandmaster title.

The achievement comes 38 years after Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988. Shrivatri’s achievement followed the elevation of four other Indian players, namely Ethan Vaz, Harshvardhan GB, S Ashwath and V Rathanvel.

The Grandmaster title is the highest standard title awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the global governing body for chess. It is earned by meeting prescribed rating and performance requirements.

Shrivatri’s victory has put Madhya Pradesh on India’s chess map while taking the country’s Grandmaster tally to a historic 100.