India's Chess GMs Reach 100: A New Era for Grandmasters
What Happened?
India has celebrated reaching 100 Grandmasters, with Anuj Shrivatri becoming the latest after winning at the ASEAN Plus in the Philippines. This milestone reflects changes in the path to becoming a GM.
Key points
- Viswanathan Anand was India's first Grandmaster in 1988.
- Anuj Shrivatri is the 100th Grandmaster, achieving this at the ASEAN Plus.
- FIDE has lowered the requirements for obtaining a GM title.
- Only 51 of India's GMs maintain a rating above Elo 2500.
- The current rating range of Indian GMs is from Elo 2763 to Elo 2222.
- Many GMs face financial challenges and lack sponsorship.
Key insights
- The rise in GMs may lead to increased competition in Indian chess.
- Financial instability among GMs could hinder the growth of chess talent.
- The disparity in ratings highlights the challenges faced by younger players.
Why it matters
The increase in Grandmasters reflects the evolving landscape of chess in India and the challenges players face.
Entities
Source
Times of India

