India achieves a historic milestone as Anuj Shrivatri becomes the country’s 100th Grandmaster by winning the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships 2026 in Ozamiz City, Philippines , securing the direct GM title!
In a country that’s already mad about cricket, it seems like chess is quietly rising to the occasion, and we’ve just hit a milestone that deserves a round of applause (or maybe a chess-themed cake). Yes, folks, India has officially welcomed its 100th Grandmaster, and the honor goes to none other than Anuj Shrivatri from Madhya Pradesh. If you think that’s just a fancy title, you might want to reconsider because it comes with a whole lot of strategy, dedication, and probably a few sleepless nights.
Anuj snagged his Grandmaster title on a sunny Sunday, right after clinching victory at the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship. How did he do it, you ask? Well, he finished half a point ahead of Vietnam’s Nguyen Duc Hoa, which sounds like a nail-biting finish worthy of its own movie adaptation. Let’s hope Hollywood is listening and ready to cast Anuj as the next chess superstar.
Now, let’s backtrack a bit. Anuj, who was born in 2004 (yes, you read that right, he’s practically a chess prodigy with a birth year that makes some of us feel ancient), faced a rocky start in the tournament. He lost his opening round. I mean, who hasn’t had a bad day, right? But instead of letting that loss spiral him into a chess-induced existential crisis, he bounced back like a true champion, winning the final two rounds and proving that resilience is the name of the game—quite literally.
What makes this achievement even more special is that Anuj is the first Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh. For those of you who might not be aware, MP is known for its rich culture, historical monuments, and now, a Grandmaster! It’s like the cherry on top of an already impressive cake. With Anuj’s win, he’s not just putting Madhya Pradesh on the chess map; he’s also inspiring countless young chess enthusiasts who might have previously thought that Grandmaster was just a title reserved for the likes of Viswanathan Anand.
This milestone of 100 Grandmasters is a big deal for India. The country has been steadily climbing the ranks in the chess world, and with talents like Anuj, it’s clear that we’re just getting started. Who knows? Maybe the next chess championship will see more Indian players fighting for the title, leading to a showdown that could rival any Bollywood blockbuster.
So, if you’re a chess fan or just someone looking to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of chess, remember the name Anuj Shrivatri. Keep an eye on him, because this is just the beginning for the young Grandmaster. And who knows, maybe one day he’ll be sitting on the throne of chess, sipping tea, while recounting his journey from a humble beginning in Madhya Pradesh to becoming a household name.
In the meantime, let’s raise our chess pieces to Anuj and all the aspiring players out there. Here’s to more checkmates, fewer opening losses, and a whole lot of Grandmasters in the making!
Inspired by: “India gets its 100th Grandmaster! Anuj Shrivatri becomes first GM from MP” (r/World)