On the 64 black-and-white squares of a chessboard, nations have long clashed and competed with each other in silent wars of strategy, and intellect. And in the recent years, India has emerged as a powerful force rewriting the modern chess narrative, not with noise, but with quiet brilliance of its prodigies.
As we celebrate International Chess Day today, its impossible to ignore how India, once home to the legendary Viswanathan Anand, the country’s first Grandmaster and five-time World Champion, is now witnessing a golden era led by a new generation of talented players. These young champions have not only shattered records but have also brought back excitement and pride to Indian chess scene, inspiring millions across the globe.
Here’s a tribute to four exceptional Indian chess players who are changing the game, one move at a time.
Gukesh Dommaraju
At just 19 years old, D.Gukesh has already achieved what many spend a lifetime chasing, the World Chess Champion title. In December 2024, Gukesh made history by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the 14th and final game of the World Chess Championship, becoming the youngest-ever world champion, surpassing the legendary Garry Kasparov who held the title at the age of 22.
Image Source: Chess Base
His rise didn’t stop there. In January 2025, he was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour, recognising not just his talent but the hard world and discipline behind it. And in June 2025, at the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, Gukesh stunned the chess world again by defeating Magnus Carlsen, the former World No.1, a symbolic victory marking the arrival of a new era.
Since I was seven, I have been living this moment, already for ten years. Every chess player wants to experiment this moment and doesn’t get the chance. I am living my dream.- Gukesh
Image Source: Impaakt
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
R. Praggnanandhaa, often hailed as one of the brightest young starts in Indian chess scene, is rewriting the book with his fearless play and exceptional track record. With a current FIDE rating of 2707, he holds the top spot among Indian chess players, a feat made more impressive given his age. Known for his aggressive style and razor-sharp tactical moves, Praggnanandhaa became the youngest International Master in history at just 10 years and 10 months and by 12, he was already a Grandmaster.
Image Source: ThePrint
His journey has been filled with milestones, three-time World Youth Chess Champion across age categories, and a string of wins against some of the world’s biggest names. He famously defeated Hikaru Nakamura in 2021 and beat Fabiano Caruana in the Norway Chess 2024 Armageddon round. Even against Magnus Carlsen, he held his ground. Praggnanandhaa brings boldness and precision to every move, continuing to inspire a generation of young chess aspirants.
It’s definitely good to have someone here. My mother is always supportive! Even after losing games, she was just trying to calm me down. It’s good to have someone rooting for you here, and for me, my mother is a big support-not only for me but for my sister as well.- Praggnanandhaa
Image Source: Divya Gandotra Tandon (X)
Nihal Sarin
Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, born in 2004, Kerala, has built a reputation as one of the world’s most formidable talents in blitz and rapid chess. Known for his lighting-fast calculations and poise under pressure, he achieved the Grandmaster title at just 14, quickly becoming the fourth-youngest ever to surpass 2600 Elo.
Nihal’s early breakthrough came with notable youth triumphs, he was crowned U-10 World Blitz Champion in 2013, U-10 World Youth Champion in 2014, and U-18 World Youth Champion in 2020. A key player in India’s gold-medal victory at the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
Nihal’s performance in classical formats has also shone through. In 2025, he captured Agzamov Memorial in Tashkent, remaining unbeaten and edging out a strong field with a score if 8/10. With a peak Elo nearing 2698 and a current rating above 2690, he ranks among the global elite across all time controls. What sets Nihal apart is his consistent blend of speed and strategy, which has earned him praise form legends in the game. In encounters against top-tier grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen, he has proved his strength and talent.
Arjun Erigaisi
At just 21, Arjun Erigaisi has risen into the chess elite after crossing the 2800 Elo, an extraordinary milestone accomplished by only 15 players in history and making him the second Indian to ever do so.
Image Source: ANI News
Arjun’s journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. He became an International Master and a Grandmaster in 2018, earning his GM title at the age of just 14 years and 11 months. In late 2022, he stepped into the world spotlight with standout victories including 2022 Tata Steel Challengers, the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival, and the Indian National Championship. His rapid rise continued with a stellar performance at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, where he won both individual and team gold.
Image Source: Firstpost
My coach says age is just a number and advised me not to fear anyone. That’s how I prepare. There are many youngsters who are better ranked than me and there are many senior players who have low rating points than me. So it is the game that matters.- Arjun Erigaisi
These young minds represent more than just sporting excellence, they’re cultural icons, breaking stereotypes and proving that brilliance has no age. Their success is the result of dedication, support systems, strong mentoring (Including Viswanathan Anand himself), and an ever-growing love for the game in India.
As we celebrate International Chess Day today, we salute not just their victories, but the values they embody, patience, courage, and intellect, to dream beyond boundaries. As India continues to produce grandmasters at an unprecedented pace, one thing is clear, the future of world chess is being shaped, one brilliant move at a time. These four exceptional players are just a few among the many talented chess minds emerging from India.
