New Delhi: India has reached the milestone of 100 chess Grandmasters, with Anuj Shrivatri becoming the latest player to earn the coveted title after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shrivatri on the achievement, describing it as a significant milestone for Indian chess. In a post on X, Modi said the accomplishment reflected the talent, dedication and hard work of Indian players, as well as the growing popularity of the sport among young people.
He also noted the emergence of young chess talents from different parts of the country on the global stage and expressed hope that the milestone would inspire more youngsters to take up the game.
Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988. The country’s chess community has expanded considerably since then, with five players earning the title between July and November this year.
India’s D Gukesh, the reigning world champion, is scheduled to defend his crown later this month.
