India has a new chess Grandmaster—and he’s just 19. Srihari LR from Tamil Nadu has officially become the country’s 86th Grandmaster, marking a major milestone in Indian chess. After a year-long wait, Srihari sealed his final GM norm at the Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship held in Al-Ain, UAE.
The Making of a Grandmaster
Srihari’s journey wasn’t an overnight success. It began with his first GM norm and a long grind through international tournaments. He crossed the required Elo rating of 2500 in 2023, but securing all three norms remained the bigger challenge.
In Al-Ain, he faced top international Grandmasters across nine rounds, beating former world champions like Abhijeet Gupta and Pranav, and eventually earning his final GM norm.
India’s Chess Boom: 19 GMs in 3 Years
India has been producing Grandmasters at an unprecedented pace. Between 2020 and 2023, the country added 19 new GMs. But 2024 had been relatively slow—until now. Srihari’s title is India’s first in over a year, after Nikhil Nayar became the 85th GM in 2023.
This pause was felt keenly in Indian chess circles, given the rising expectations from young prodigies and their mentors.
Behind the Scenes: Coaching, Sacrifices, and Grit
Srihari’s success is also a win for his coach, GM Shyam Sundar, who left his Chennai academy and traveled with six trainees—including Srihari—across the Middle East for over a month. They participated in tournaments from the Baku Open to the Dubai Open, chasing elusive GM norms.
“It’s hard to be away from home, but I was desperate to become a GM,” Srihari said, describing the emotional and mental toll of the pursuit.
The GM Grind: Pressure and Passion
The path to a GM title is not just about talent. It’s about stamina. As coach Sundar explained, "Chasing norms takes a toll. You need luck, preparation, and relentless focus." Players often burn out from round-robin events and the intense competition.
Yet, Srihari pushed through. After earning his first norm at the Qatar Masters—where he was paired against world champion Magnus Carlsen—he remained focused, gaining valuable experience.
What's Next for Indian Chess?
Srihari’s success revives momentum for other hopefuls. Ilamparthi AR and Aswath, fellow academy mates, are just a norm or a few Elo points away from their own GM titles. This could signal a new surge in India's chess dominance.
With India now home to 86 Grandmasters, the nation continues its rise as a global chess powerhouse. The story of Srihari LR proves that with dedication, mentorship, and grit, the GM dream is within reach.
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