India on verge of 100 grandmasters as Rathanvel becomes 99th

VS Rathanvel has become India's 99th grandmaster, crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026. The 25-year-old from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, now brings the country within one of reaching the 100-grandmaster milestone.

Rathanvel completed his three grandmaster norms in 2022 but repeatedly fell short of the rating requirement. 'I came very close on multiple occasions, so it becomes very depressing because chess is a mental sport and you suddenly start doubting yourself,' he told PTI. 'That really affects a player's performance. So finally crossing the 2500 rating feels very satisfying.'

India's first grandmaster was Viswanathan Anand in 1987, who won the Shakti Finance International chess tournament in Coimbatore — the same city Rathanvel hails from. The achievement underscores the growth of chess in India, which now has a deep talent pool.

Rathanvel started chess at age six at the Kovai Kids Chess Academy. Although he holds a mechanical engineering degree, he is now a full-time professional chess player. His parents run a wedding card printing business in Coimbatore, and he trains independently, competes in European leagues, and coaches online.

The newly-crowned grandmaster said the biggest change is the freedom to play without constant rating pressure. 'I'll be able to play stress-free and probably a bit more relaxed. I think that will help me perform better,' he said. His future goal is to get invitations to stronger tournaments.

All India Chess Federation president Nitin Narang congratulated Rathanvel, stating: 'India now stands just one Grandmaster away from the historic milestone of 100.' He wished Rathanvel continued success on the international stage.