India has reached a landmark moment in its sporting history as Anuj Shrivatri becomes the country’s 100th Chess Grandmaster. The 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh secured the prestigious title after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines on November 8, 2026. His victory also made him the first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, the achievement arrived during Diwali celebrations, adding to the excitement among Indian chess fans. His recovery after an opening defeat makes the victory especially memorable. It also marks a new chapter in India’s growing international chess presence.
Anuj Shrivatri Secures India’s 100th Grandmaster Title
Anuj Shrivatri achieved the historic milestone at the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship, held in Ozamiz City in the Philippines. The 22-year-old International Master lost his opening game. However, he recovered strongly and finished with seven points from nine rounds. His late performance proved decisive in securing the championship and the direct Grandmaster title. He won six games and drew two after that opening defeat. He finished half a point ahead of Vietnamese Grandmaster Nguyen Duc Hoa.
The championship offers its winner a direct route to the Grandmaster title. The event took place at the Asenso Global Youth Leadership and Sports Complex in Misamis Occidental. Anuj Shrivatri’s victory therefore carried importance beyond an individual tournament result. It placed India at the 100-Grandmaster mark and gave Madhya Pradesh its first player to earn the title. The achievement also came during Diwali, making it a memorable festive moment for his family and supporters. His strong finish underlined the importance of resilience and composure in high-level chess.
From Katni to the International Chess Stage
Born on July 21, 2004, in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, Shrivatri began playing chess at the age of seven. His early progress showed promise in youth competitions. He finished third in the National Under-13 Championship and fourth at the World Youth Under-14 event. These results gave him experience against strong opponents. Coach Rajesh Bahadur guided him from 2016 to 2019, strengthening his competitive foundations. He earned the International Master title in 2020, aged 15, an important step towards the highest open title in chess.
Later, he completed a Bachelor of Technology degree at Lovely Professional University, specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. He also received a software engineering job offer from a German company. However, he chose to leave that career opportunity and pursue chess full time. His journey shows how early exposure, coaching and tournament experience can shape a young player’s ambitions. Furthermore, his rise from Katni highlights the widening geography of Indian chess. His achievement may encourage more young players in Madhya Pradesh to explore competitive chess. It also gives local coaches and organisers a powerful example when they promote chess among school students.
A Landmark Moment for Madhya Pradesh and Indian Chess
The victory carries two historic distinctions: Shrivatri became India’s 100th Grandmaster and the first from Madhya Pradesh. The achievement gives local chess development a prominent national moment. It also shows how India’s talent pool now extends across more regions. The milestone follows a period of rapid growth in the number of Indian Grandmasters. In July 2026, V. S. Rathanvel became the country’s 99th Grandmaster after crossing the required 2,500 FIDE rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open.
Before Shrivatri, Ethan Vaz, Harshvardhan G. B., and S. Ashwath had also joined the Grandmaster list during 2026. As a result, India moved from 95 to 100 Grandmasters within a relatively short period. His championship victory completed the century. This progress reflects the contribution of coaching networks, tournament opportunities, families and chess institutions. The milestone also represents more pathways for young players to pursue the sport professionally.
From Viswanathan Anand’s First to India’s 100th Grandmaster
India’s journey to 100 Grandmasters began with Viswanathan Anand, who became the country’s first Grandmaster in 1988. His achievement inspired generations of players. Dibyendu Barua followed in 1991, while Pravin Thipsay became the third Indian Grandmaster in 1997. Over the decades, Indian chess developed through stronger training systems, wider tournament access and public interest. Young champions have further increased the sport’s visibility. Reaching 100 Grandmasters therefore reflects sustained progress rather than one player’s success alone.
The All India Chess Federation president, Nitin Narang, celebrated the milestone and described it as a proud moment for Indian chess. He also expressed the ambition of reaching 200 Grandmasters in the future. Meanwhile, five-time world champion Anand welcomed the achievement and noted the remarkable journey from one Indian Grandmaster to a hundred. Their responses connect Shrivatri’s victory with the foundations laid by earlier champions. The achievement also reminds young players that international success can emerge from every part of the country.
The Wise Take
Anuj Shrivatri’s achievement is more than a personal sporting triumph. It marks a defining moment for Madhya Pradesh and a proud chapter in India’s chess journey. His victory in the Philippines brought the country to 100 Grandmasters, nearly four decades after Viswanathan Anand became its first. More importantly, it shows that dedication and opportunity can help talent emerge from beyond traditional chess centres. The next challenge is to make training, coaching and competitive platforms accessible to more young players across India.
Families also need affordable tournament access and long-term support. These opportunities can help promising players develop without facing overwhelming financial pressure. The ambition of reaching 200 Grandmasters will require continued investment from families, institutions, federations and local communities. However, the 100th title offers a powerful reason for optimism. As new players take up the game, Shrivatri’s success can encourage them to aim higher and compete internationally. India’s chess story is still unfolding, and this milestone is another significant move forward.
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