As of July 2025, India boasts 88 chess Grandmasters (GMs), a remarkable achievement certified by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). From Viswanathan Anand’s pioneering title in 1988 to Divya Deshmukh’s historic win at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, India’s chess journey reflects talent, dedication, and a thriving ecosystem. This article explores the growth, key players, and future of Indian chess.
Key Points:
- 88 Grandmasters as of July 2025, up from 1 in 1988.
- Growth milestones: ~20 GMs in 2010, 50+ in 2018.
- India ranks second globally in average top-10 FIDE ratings (2725).
- Supported by academies, coaching, and digital platforms.
Historical Growth of Indian Grandmasters
India’s chess landscape transformed from a single GM in 1988 to a powerhouse by 2025, driven by Viswanathan Anand’s legacy and systemic support.
Key Points:
- 1988: Viswanathan Anand became India’s first GM.
- 2010: Around 20 GMs, marking the start of rapid growth.
- 2018: Crossed 50 GMs, reflecting a robust talent pipeline.
- 2025: Reached 88 GMs, with Divya Deshmukh as the latest.
Spotlight on the 88th Grandmaster
Divya Deshmukh from Maharashtra became India’s 88th GM and fourth female GM by winning the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, bypassing traditional norm requirements.
Key Points:
- Achievement: Defeated Koneru Humpy in tiebreaks to secure the GM title.
- Significance: Only the fourth Indian woman GM, following Humpy, Dronavalli, and Vaishali.
- Impact: Highlights the growing prominence of women in Indian chess.
- Background: Represents Maharashtra’s rising chess culture.
State-Wise Contributions to Indian Chess
Certain states have been pivotal in producing India’s Grandmasters, with Tamil Nadu leading the charge.
Key Points:
- Tamil Nadu: ~36% of GMs, including Anand, Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali.
- Maharashtra: 13 GMs, including Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh.
- West Bengal: Early pioneers like Dibyendu Barua and Surya Shekhar Ganguly.
- Andhra Pradesh: Home to Koneru Humpy and Pentala Harikrishna.
- Delhi: Emerging hub for young talent.
Notable Grandmasters Shaping India’s Legacy
India’s GMs range from legendary pioneers to modern prodigies, dominating global tournaments.
Key Points:
- Pioneers:
- Viswanathan Anand (1988): Five-time World Champion, Padma Vibhushan recipient.
- Dibyendu Barua (1991): Second GM, reached Candidates in 1992.
- Pentala Harikrishna (2001): Peak rating of 2768, top-20 global player.
- Krishnan Sasikiran (2000): Olympiad gold medalist, four-time Indian Champion.
- Modern Stars:
- D. Gukesh (2019): World Chess Champion 2024, defeated Magnus Carlsen in 2025.
- R. Praggnanandhaa (2018): Tata Steel Chess 2025 winner, World Cup finalist.
- Arjun Erigaisi (2018): Crossed 2800 Elo, 2024 Olympiad gold medalist.
- Vidit Gujrathi (2013): Led India to 2020 Online Olympiad gold.
- Nihal Sarin (Kerala): Known for tactical brilliance.
- Raunak Sadhwani (Maharashtra): Rising in elite tournaments.
- Women GMs:
- Koneru Humpy (2002): First female GM, former Women’s World Rapid Champion.
- Harika Dronavalli (2011): Three-time World Championship bronze medalist.
- R. Vaishali (2023): Part of 2024 Olympiad women’s gold team.
- Divya Deshmukh (2025): Women’s World Cup winner.
Women in Indian Chess
India has 23 Woman Grandmasters (WGMs) and 42 Woman International Masters (WIMs), with four achieving the full GM title.
Key Points:
- First WIM: Jayshree Khadilkar (1979).
- First WGM: Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi (2001).
- Female GMs: Humpy, Dronavalli, Vaishali, and Deshmukh.
- 2024 Olympiad: Women’s team, including Vaishali and Humpy, won gold.
India’s Global Chess Impact
Indian GMs are now title contenders, challenging the world’s best in major events.
Key Points:
- Chess Olympiad 2024: Gold in both open and women’s sections.
- World Championships: Anand (five titles), Gukesh (2024 champion).
- Top Rankings: Four Indians in global top 20, with Erigaisi at 2800+ Elo.
- Candidates Tournament: Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vidit, and Deshmukh qualified.
Future of Indian Chess
With chess academies, coaching from GMs like R.B. Ramesh, and government support, India is on track to surpass 100 GMs by 2027.
Key Points:
- Growth Drivers: Chess academies, digital platforms, and AICF initiatives.
- Challenges: Expanding chess culture to states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Projections: Over 30,000 FIDE-rated players, with potential for 100+ GMs.
- Support Systems: Sponsorships and grassroots programs fueling talent.
Guidance for Aspiring Players
Aspiring chess players can follow these steps to aim for the GM title:
Key Points:
- Join Academies: Enroll in reputed chess schools like those run by R.B. Ramesh.
- Compete Regularly: Participate in FIDE-rated tournaments to earn norms.
- Leverage Digital Tools: Use platforms like ChessBase India for training and analysis.
- Stay Informed: Follow FIDE and AICF for tournament schedules and updates.
Conclusion: India’s Chess Powerhouse
India’s 88 Grandmasters in 2025, from Anand’s trailblazing legacy to Deshmukh’s recent triumph, mark its ascent as a global chess leader. With a strong ecosystem and young prodigies, India is poised to reach 100 GMs soon. Stay updated via FIDE, ChessBase India, or the AICF for the latest GM list and tournament news.
