Famous Indian Chess Players

Viswanathan "Vishy" Anand is an Indian chess grandmaster and former five-time World Chess Champion. He became the first grandmaster from India in 1988 and has achieved notable accomplishments in his career. Anand has held the title of undisputed world champion and successfully defended it against several formidable opponents. Known for his rapid playing speed, he has won numerous rapid and blitz events, establishing himself as one of the greatest rapid chess players of his generation. Anand has also been recognized with prestigious awards for his contributions to the sport.

Tania Sachdev is an accomplished Indian chess player with FIDE titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She has clinched several prestigious chess championships, including being a two-time Indian women's chess champion, one-time Asian women's chess champion, and three-time Commonwealth Women's Chess Champion. In addition to her success on the board, Tania is also involved in chess presenting and commentary, showcasing her passion for the game and sharing her expertise with others in the chess community.

Gukesh D is an Indian chess grandmaster known for achieving several remarkable milestones in his young career. He holds the title of the third-youngest Grandmaster in history and the third-youngest to reach a chess rating of 2700. Gukesh is also recognized as the youngest player to reach a rating of 2750 and the youngest winner of the FIDE Candidates tournament. His victory in the 2024 Candidates Tournament has positioned him as the youngest contender to compete for the prestigious title of World Chess Champion.

Koneru Humpy is an accomplished Indian chess player renowned for her exceptional skill and achievements in the world of chess. She made history by becoming the youngest woman ever to achieve the title of Grandmaster at the age of 15, breaking previous records. Humpy has consistently showcased her talent and dedication, winning the FIDE Women's rapid chess championship in 2019. She has also reached significant milestones in her career, such as surpassing the 2600 Elo rating mark, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the chess world.

Pentala Harikrishna is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster, known for his exceptional talent and numerous achievements in the world of chess. He made history by becoming the youngest grandmaster from India and has since garnered a reputation as one of the top players in the country. With victories in prestigious events such as the Tata Steel Group B and the Biel MTO Masters Tournament Open, as well as impressive performances in international competitions like the Chess Olympiads, Harikrishna has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the global chess community.

R Vaishali is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster, known for her exceptional skills and achievements in the chess world. She has made history alongside her brother, being the first brother-sister duo to earn GM titles and qualify for the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Vaishali's professional journey is marked by determination, strategic brilliance, and a deep passion for the game. Her contributions to the chess community have inspired many aspiring players and cemented her reputation as a formidable force in the world of chess.

Soumya Swaminathan is an accomplished chess player from India, holding the prestigious titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She gained recognition by winning the World Junior Girls' Championship in 2009. Swaminathan made headlines in 2018 when she took a principled stand by withdrawing from a chess championship in Iran to protest against the mandatory headscarf rule imposed on women by the Iranian government. Her professional career showcases not only her exceptional skill in chess but also her courage and commitment to gender equality in sports.

Padmini Rout is a highly accomplished Indian chess player with the titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). Known for her exceptional skills, she has clinched the National Women's Premier Championship multiple times, including five consecutive victories from 2014 to 2017 and a win in 2023. In 2018, she achieved further recognition by becoming the Asian women's champion. Her contributions to chess have been acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the Biju Patnaik Sports Award and the Ekalavya Award.

Arjun Erigaisi is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster, holding the title of India's highest-ranked player as of June 2024. Known as a chess prodigy, he achieved the grandmaster title at a remarkably young age, becoming the 32nd youngest person to do so. He has garnered recognition as the 54th grandmaster from India and has showcased his talent by winning the prestigious 2022 Indian National Championship. Erigaisi's professional career is marked by remarkable achievements and an impressive dedication to the game of chess.

Nihal Sarin is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster known for his exceptional talent and achievements at a young age. He made history by reaching an Elo rating of 2600 at just 14 years old, becoming one of the youngest players to do so. Nihal has an impressive track record in junior championships, including winning the World Under-10 title in 2014 and securing second place in the World Under-12 championship in 2015. He continues to excel in the professional chess scene, recently contributing to India's victory in the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad and clinching the U-18 World Youth Championship in rapid format in 2020.

Parimarjan Negi is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster, earning the prestigious title at a remarkably young age. He has distinguished himself as a top player in India and Asia, showcasing his skills on the global stage by contributing to his country's success in the 2014 Chess Olympiad. Negi's talent and dedication have been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Arjuna Award, highlighting his significant contributions to the world of chess at a relatively young age.

Vidit Gujrathi is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster who achieved the prestigious title in January 2013. He holds the distinction of being the 30th player from India to attain the grandmaster title and is among the few Indian players to surpass the Elo rating of 2700. Known for his strategic brilliance and tactical acumen, Vidit is a respected figure in the international chess circuit. His dedication to the game and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as a top-tier player in the chess community.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is an Indian chess prodigy and grandmaster, currently ranked No. 8 in the world by FIDE. He made history by becoming one of the youngest grandmasters in chess. Praggnanandhaa has achieved significant milestones alongside his sister Vaishali, being the first brother-sister duo to earn GM titles and qualify for the prestigious Candidates Tournament. His professional career is marked by remarkable achievements and a promising future in the world of chess.

Krishnan Sasikiran is an Indian chess grandmaster known for his exceptional skills in the game. He has gained recognition as one of the greatest chess players globally, surpassing even renowned names like Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov. Sasikiran has showcased his expertise by serving as one of Viswanathan Anand's seconds during the World Chess Championship in 2013. His professional career is marked by strategic brilliance, tactical prowess, and a deep understanding of the complexities of chess, making him a respected figure in the chess community.

Adhiban Baskaran is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster known for his impressive achievements on the international chess circuit. He has won various prestigious tournaments, including the World Under-16 Championship and the Indian Championship. Adhiban has consistently performed well in major events, such as the Chess World Cup and Tata Steel tournaments, showcasing his exceptional skills and strategic prowess. He has been a valuable asset to the Indian chess team, contributing to their success in multiple competitions and earning recognition as one of India's top-rated players.

Harika Dronavalli is an accomplished Indian chess Grandmaster known for her impressive career achievements. She has secured three bronze medals in the Women's World Chess Championship and won the FIDE Women's Grand Prix event in Chengdu, China, leading to a significant rise in the FIDE women's ranking. Her talent and dedication to chess have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. Harika continues to make significant contributions to the world of chess, solidifying her position as a top player on the international stage.

Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi is a highly accomplished Indian chess player with the prestigious FIDE titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She made history as the first female player in India to achieve these titles. Known for her exceptional talent and dedication, Vijayalakshmi has secured numerous medals for India in the Chess Olympiads and has dominated national age group championships, including the senior title. Her professional career is marked by consistent success and a strong presence in the international chess community.

Surya Sekhar Ganguly is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster with a peak ELO rating of 2676. He achieved the title of International Master at 16 and Grandmaster at 19. Ganguly has an impressive track record of winning numerous medals in both national and international tournaments, as well as excelling in team competitions. Recognized for his excellence in sports, he has received prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award and the "Bangabhusan" civilian award. Ganguly has also made significant contributions to the chess community through his involvement in assisting Viswanathan Anand in World Championship matches and inspiring a film based on his life.

Srinath Narayanan is an accomplished Indian chess player who achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster from FIDE in August 2017. Known for his strategic prowess and tactical skills, he has made significant contributions to the world of chess through his competitive spirit and dedication to the game. With a strong passion for chess, Srinath Narayanan continues to participate in international tournaments, showcasing his talent and commitment to furthering his career as a professional chess player.

P. Iniyan is an accomplished Indian chess player, holding the prestigious title of Grandmaster awarded by FIDE. He secured his GM norms at various international tournaments between 2017 and 2018. Notable achievements include a 4th place finish at the Andorra open, and a 2nd place in the Coppa Vergani in Italy. In 2019, he excelled at the Dubai Open, sharing the top spots, and emerged victorious at the Commonwealth Championship U18 in New Delhi. Iniyan's consistent performances signify his talent and dedication to the game.

Manuel Aaron was a pioneering figure in Indian chess during the mid-20th century, dominating the game from the 1960s to the 1980s. He was a nine-time national champion of India, playing a key role in introducing international chess practices to the country. Aaron was the first Indian chess player to be awarded the FIDE Title of International Master. He helped popularize the international variety of chess, forming various chess groups and encouraging players to study formal chess literature and openings.

Ramachandran Ramesh, also known as R. B. Ramesh, is an Indian chess grandmaster known for winning prestigious championships such as the 2002 British Championship and the 2007 Commonwealth Championship. He is the founder of Chess Gurukul, a renowned chess academy in Chennai that has produced numerous international chess champions from India. Ramesh gained recognition for his insightful commentary during the 2013 World Chess Championship Match between Anand and Carlsen, where he served as the official commentator alongside GM Susan Polgar.

S. P. Sethuraman is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster with a successful professional career. He earned his grandmaster title by achieving the necessary norms through impressive performances at various international championships. Throughout his career, Sethuraman has secured victories at prestigious events such as the Asian Chess Championship and the Indian National Premier Championship. His notable achievements include winning the 2004 Asian under-12 championship, the 2009 world U16 championship, and a team bronze medal at the Chess Olympiad. Sethuraman's consistent success in competitive chess tournaments highlights his exceptional talent and skill in the game.

Karthikeyan Murali is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster who earned the prestigious title in 2015 from FIDE. Known for his exceptional skills on the chessboard, Karthikeyan has clinched the national championship title twice, showcasing his mastery in the game. With a successful career marked by strategic brilliance and tactical prowess, he continues to make a significant impact in the world of chess, competing at the highest levels and earning recognition for his impressive achievements.

Abhijeet Gupta is an accomplished Indian chess Grandmaster, known for his exceptional achievements in the world of chess. He has won prestigious titles such as the Commonwealth Chess Championship multiple times and the World Junior Chess Championship. Gupta has also excelled in various international tournaments, including the Dubai Open Chess Championship and the Reykjavik Open. Furthermore, he has represented India in the Chess Olympiad, earning individual accolades such as a silver medal. Gupta's career is marked by consistent success and a strong presence in the global chess community.

Dibyendu Barua is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster with a notable career. He has been a three-time Indian Chess Champion and holds the distinction of being the second Indian player, second Bengali, and third South Asian to achieve the title of chess grandmaster. Throughout his career, Barua has achieved significant victories, including defeating the world number two ranked Viktor Korchnoi. He has also won prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award. Barua's professional achievements include winning multiple Grandmaster norms and representing India in various international chess tournaments.

Abhijit Kunte is an accomplished Indian chess player holding the FIDE title of Grandmaster. Throughout his career, he has achieved significant success in various national and international chess championships, winning multiple gold and bronze medals. Kunte has represented India in prestigious events such as the Chess Olympiads and Asian Team Chess Championship, earning numerous team and individual medals. Known for his competitive spirit and strategic gameplay, he has also competed in World Chess Championship tournaments and other elite chess events, consistently showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the game.

Aryan Chopra is an Indian chess prodigy who achieved the title of Grandmaster at a young age. He earned his first GM norm at the 2015 Riga Technical University Open and went on to secure two more norms in subsequent tournaments. He was officially awarded the GM title in 2017. Chopra has participated in various prestigious chess events, including the Abu Dhabi Chess Championship Masters Tournament and the Match of the Millennials, where he showcased his talent by defeating multiple grandmasters and contributing to team victories.

Moheschunder Bannerjee was an Indian chess player known for his strategic gameplay and innovative opening moves. His professional life revolved around regular matches with Scottish chess master John Cochrane from 1848 to 1860. Bannerjee's contributions to chess include creating the Indian Defence strategy and promoting the Grünfeld Defence. Through his games and collaborations, he left a lasting impact on the chess community, showcasing his skill and dedication to the game.

Darpan Inani is a highly accomplished Indian chess player and Chartered Accountant from Vadodara. He has achieved remarkable success in the world of chess, with notable accomplishments including winning gold medals at the Para Asian Games, a bronze medal at the World Chess Olympiad, and the World Junior Championship. He holds the record for the highest FIDE elo rating ever attained by a visually impaired player from India. In addition, he has received prestigious awards such as the Yuva Ratna award and the Navratna Award for his outstanding contributions to the game of chess.

Bhakti Kulkarni is a highly accomplished Indian chess player with impressive FIDE titles of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and International Master (IM). She has made significant contributions to the world of chess and was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award. Throughout her career, Kulkarni has achieved notable victories, including winning the Asian Junior Chess Championship in 2011, securing first place at the international women's chess tournament in Czech Republic in 2013, and emerging victorious at the Asian Chess Women Championship in 2016. She has also represented India in various prestigious chess championships, showcasing her talent and skills on an international level.

S. L. Narayanan is an accomplished Indian chess player, having achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster in 2015. He holds the distinction of being the 41st Grandmaster from India, showcasing his exceptional talent in the game. As of September 2023, he is ranked as the 8th best player in India, highlighting his consistent performance and skill level. Narayanan's professional career is marked by his dedication to chess and his ability to compete at a high level, making him a respected figure in the Indian chess community.

Hridayeshwar Singh Bhati was an Indian student known for his innovative inventions, particularly in the field of chess variants. He gained recognition for creating a six-player variant of chess at a young age and went on to develop twelve- and sixty-player versions as well. Additionally, he designed a ramp system to facilitate vehicle access for disabled individuals. Bhati received several awards for his inventions, showcasing his commitment to improving the lives of others through his creative and impactful contributions.

Eesha Karavade is an accomplished Indian chess player hailing from Pune. She has earned the prestigious titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM), showcasing her exceptional skills in the game. Representing India in the Chess Olympiads of 2010, 2012, and 2014, Eesha has demonstrated her strategic prowess on an international stage. With a successful professional career in chess, she continues to inspire aspiring players and contribute to the advancement of the sport through her dedication and talent.