Praggnanandhaa-R Vaishali's grand win: 5 chess prodigies that India has produced

The world of Indian chess has seen yet another chess prodigy. The sister of Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and R. Vaishali has carved her name in the records of the game's history. The young chess prodigy became just the third Indian woman to be awarded the Grandmaster (GM) title, which is the highest honor in chess. Here are five chess prodigies from India who have made a significant impact on the global chess stage.

Hailing from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, born on August 10, 2005, has emerged as a chess sensation. Achieving the title of the fourth-youngest chess grandmaster at the age of 12 years, 10 months, and 13 days, Praggnanandhaa has consistently demonstrated his knowledge on the board. His journey includes winning the World Youth Chess Championships under-8 title in 2013, becoming the youngest international master at the age of 10 in 2016, and ultimately earning the grandmaster title in 2018. Currently ranked 13th in the world with a FIDE rating of 2740 as of December 2023, Praggnanandhaa has become a force to be reckoned with in the chess arena.

Nihal Sarin, a grandmaster since the age of 14, has been making waves in the chess community. Currently positioned among the top 10 players in India with a FIDE world ranking of 98, Nihal's list of achievements is impressive. His triumphs include securing the U-10 World Blitz Championship in 2013, clinching the U-10 World Youth Chess Championship in 2014, and being a two-time Junior Speed Chess Champion in 2020 and 2021. Nihal's talent on the board is complemented by his strategic brilliance, making him a worthy opponent in international competitions.

Gukesh Dommaraju, has been a beacon of chess excellence. Achieving a live rating of 2700 in July 2022, Gukesh has disrupted the status quo, ending GM Viswanathan Anand's 37-year reign as India's top-rated player. From his early chess career in 2013 to his recent successes, Gukesh's journey reflects determination, skill, and a commitment to the pursuit of greatness.

Hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Pentala Harikrishna became the youngest grandmaster from India. With a rich history of success in national and international championships, Harikrishna's journey showcases talent and dedication to the game. From winning world titles in his youth to earning the Grandmaster title in 2001.

Arjun Erigaisi, a young grandmaster from India, has experienced a meteoric rise in the chess world. Born in the early 2000s, Arjun earned his GM title in 2018 at the age of 14. His breakout year in 2022 saw him win in various competitions, including the Tata Steel Challengers tournament and the Indian Championship. Arjun's strategic brilliance and consistent performance have gotten him into the ranks of super grandmasters, making him a promising prospect for the future.