Anuj Shrivatri becomes India's 100th Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh

International Master Anuj Shrivatri of Madhya Pradesh has become India's 100th Grandmaster.

He won the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines.

An International Master is a chess title just below Grandmaster.

Grandmaster is the highest title in chess, and only a small number of players earn it.

Shrivatri lost his first game in the tournament. After that, he scored seven points from his final eight games.

That strong finish helped him win the title.

Key points

• Anuj Shrivatri is India's 100th Grandmaster.
• He won the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines.
• He is the first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh.
• The All India Chess Federation president has congratulated him.

So why is this a big moment for Indian chess?

Chess fans in India had been waiting for the country's 100th Grandmaster. This milestone has now been reached.

Madhya Pradesh had also been waiting for its first player to earn this prestigious title.

Shrivatri has now given the state that honour.

How did Shrivatri win the title?

He started the tournament with a defeat in the opening round. He did not give up after that.

From his final eight games, he scored seven points. This strong run secured the championship and the Grandmaster title.

What happens next for Indian chess?

All India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang congratulated Shrivatri.

He called the achievement a historic milestone and a proud moment for Indian chess.

Narang also expressed hope that India would reach 200 Grandmasters next.

Sources

• News On AIR: Madhya Pradesh’s Anuj Shrivatri scripts chess history