Century of Brilliance: Anuj Shrivatri Becomes India's 100th Grandmaster!
Anuj Shrivatri makes history as India's 100th Grandmaster and the first from Madhya Pradesh after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open.
Indian chess has hit a historic landmark. International Master Anuj Shrivatri has etched his name in the annals of the game by becoming India's 100th Grandmaster. This monumental feat was achieved during the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship held in Ozamiz City, Philippines.
While the achievement is a proud moment for the entire nation, it holds a special place in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, as Shrivatri becomes the first-ever player from the state to secure the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title.
A Comeback for the Ages
The journey to the title was not without its hurdles. Shrivatri faced an early setback when he suffered a defeat in the opening round of the championship. However, showing immense mental fortitude and strategic brilliance, he bounced back with a dominant streak.
He managed to score seven points from his final eight games, a performance that not only secured his victory in the tournament but also guaranteed him the direct Grandmaster title. This resilience turned a shaky start into a historic triumph.
A Milestone for Bharat
For months, chess enthusiasts across India had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 100th Grandmaster. Shrivatri's victory has finally fulfilled that anticipation, marking a new era for the sport in the country.
Nitin Narang, the President of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the achievement. He described the moment as a "historic milestone" and a point of immense pride for the nation.
“GRANDMASTER No. 100 FOR BHARAT! India achieves a historic milestone as Anuj Shrivatri becomes the country's 100th Grandmaster by winning the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships 2026 in Ozamiz City, Philippines, securing the direct GM title! Congratulations, Anuj! A proud moment for Indian chess. Onwards to 200 Grandmasters,” Narang posted.
Breaking State Barriers
Beyond the national tally, this is a watershed moment for Madhya Pradesh. Despite the growing popularity of chess in the region, the state had been waiting for its first homegrown player to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Anuj Shrivatri has now broken that ceiling, paving the way for future aspirants from the state.
With the 100-mark now crossed, the AICF and the Indian chess community have already set their sights on the next big goal: reaching 200 Grandmasters.