India Celebrates Milestone with 100th Chess Grandmaster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anuj Shrivatri for becoming India's 100th chess Grandmaster, highlighting the growing popularity of chess among the youth. Shrivatri's victory at the ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship not only marks a significant milestone for Indian chess but also for Madhya Pradesh, as he becomes the first Grandmaster from the state. This achievement is expected to inspire more young players to pursue excellence in chess. Read on to learn more about this historic moment in Indian chess.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 13:49 IST

PM Modi Honors Chess Achievement

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Anuj Shrivatri for becoming the 100th chess Grandmaster from India. He hailed this accomplishment as a significant milestone that showcases the increasing talent and enthusiasm for chess among the youth in the country. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister expressed his pride in India's achievement, stating, "India has reached a century in chess! Isn’t that exceptional? We now have a hundred chess Grandmasters! Congratulations to Anuj Shrivatri for this remarkable feat!"

Significance of the Milestone

PM Modi emphasized that this milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Indian chess players, as well as the sport's rising popularity among young people. He remarked, "Reaching 100 Grandmasters is a remarkable achievement that highlights the immense talent and commitment of our players, along with the growing interest in chess among our youth. It is inspiring to see young talents from various regions of India making their presence felt on the global chess stage."

Inspiration for Future Generations

The Prime Minister expressed his hope that this achievement would motivate more young individuals to engage with chess and strive for excellence in the game. He stated, "May this accomplishment encourage many more youngsters to take up chess and aim for greatness." View the post here.

Anuj Shrivatri's Historic Victory

Anuj Shrivatri, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, clinched the title of India's 100th Grandmaster by winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship on Sunday. He became the first Grandmaster from his state, achieving this title after scoring seven points in his last eight games, despite an initial loss in the opening round. His outstanding performance not only secured him the tournament victory but also marked a significant milestone for both Indian chess and Madhya Pradesh, as reported by ChessBase India.

A Long-Awaited Achievement

Shrivatri's success is particularly noteworthy as chess fans in India had been eagerly anticipating the announcement of the country's 100th Grandmaster, while Madhya Pradesh was looking forward to its first player to earn this prestigious title.