Indian chess reached a historic milestone on Sunday, November 8, 2026, as 22-year-old Anuj Shrivatri attained the title of the country’s 100th chess Grandmaster. The achievement follows his impressive victory at the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Open chess championship, which took place in Ozamiz City, the Philippines. By securing the top spot in this international tournament, Shrivatri not only solidified his position in the sport but also made history as the first Grandmaster to emerge from the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Shrivatri’s journey to the Grandmaster title was characterized by remarkable resilience and strategic gameplay. His campaign at the championship began on a challenging note when he suffered a defeat during the opening round. However, the young talent managed to regain his composure and maintain a high level of performance throughout the remainder of the competition. Over the course of nine rounds, he accumulated a total of seven points, a performance sufficient to secure the tournament victory and satisfy the requirements for the coveted Grandmaster title.
The announcement of the 100th Grandmaster has been keenly anticipated by the Indian chess community, especially following a flurry of recent successes by emerging players in the country. The path to this century mark was paved by the achievements of S. Aswath and V.S. Rathanvel, who were recently crowned the 98th and 99th Indian Grandmasters, respectively. Their rapid succession of titles set the stage for Shrivatri’s pivotal win, which has now officially pushed India into a new chapter of its sporting history.
The evolution of chess in India has been a decades-long trajectory, starting from the landmark achievement of the legendary Viswanathan Anand. In 1988, Anand became India’s first-ever Grandmaster, a feat that served as a catalyst for a massive surge in the popularity and professionalization of the game across the nation. Over the subsequent 38 years, India has nurtured a vast ecosystem of chess talent, moving from a single pioneer to a nation that now boasts a century of Grandmasters competing on the global stage.
Shrivatri’s victory in Ozamiz City serves as a testament to the depth of talent currently developing within the Indian chess circuit. As he becomes the 100th player to reach this peak, the focus now shifts toward the ongoing development of the sport in regions that have historically been underrepresented in international chess rankings, such as Madhya Pradesh. His success is expected to provide further impetus for young chess players within his home state to pursue professional training.
While the designation of the 100th Grandmaster is a celebratory milestone for the national chess fraternity, it also reflects the broader competitive spirit that Indian players have demonstrated in recent international events. The ASEAN+ Individual Open provided a platform for such growth, and Shrivatri’s performance under pressure highlights the tactical maturity expected of top-tier competitors.
Looking ahead, the achievement marks a significant point of reflection for the All India Chess Federation and the wider sporting community as they continue to refine the structures that support players in their pursuit of international titles. The rapid increase in the number of Indian Grandmasters in recent years suggests that the trend of success is likely to continue as more young players capitalize on the legacy left by their predecessors. For now, the focus remains on Shrivatri’s breakthrough performance, which has firmly cemented his name in the annals of Indian sporting history as the milestone 100th Grandmaster.
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