Harikrishnan A Ra Earns India’s 87th Grandmaster Title

New Grandmaster from Chennai

Harikrishnan A Ra Earns India’s 87th Grandmaster Title: Harikrishnan A Ra, a young chess talent from Chennai, has added his name to India’s elite chess circle by becoming the 87th Grandmaster. His final GM norm was secured on July 11, 2025, at the prestigious La Plagne Chess Festival held in France, completing a journey that began nearly a decade ago.

Years of persistent effort

Since receiving the International Master title in 2018, Harikrishnan had been steadily working towards the Grandmaster rank. His path was filled with near-misses and tough competitions, but his commitment remained strong throughout.

Sealing the title in France

At La Plagne, Harikrishnan knew the exact result needed — 1.5 points in his last two games. He delivered under pressure by defeating Jules Moussard in the penultimate round and drawing with fellow Indian P Iniyan in the final round, securing the third and final GM norm.

Earlier milestone performances

His journey to GM status included significant performances in earlier tournaments. He clinched his first GM norm in 2023 at the Biel International Chess Festival in Switzerland, followed by his second in Spain during the Lince Andujar Chess Open in June 2025.

Static GK fact: The title of Grandmaster is the highest accolade in chess, awarded by FIDE, and is a lifetime recognition of skill and consistency.

Guided by strong mentorship

Harikrishnan was mentored by Shyam Sundar, a seasoned coach who helped him through the ups and downs of competitive play. His training and disciplined preparation played a vital role in crossing the final hurdle.

Merging academics and sports

Apart from chess, Harikrishnan has also excelled in academics. He recently finished his Master’s degree in Commerce from SRM University. He is now eyeing more European tournaments, especially in Spain and Portugal, where he plans to continue competing.

Static GK tip: The Elo rating system is used internationally to rank chess players, with 2600+ considered a benchmark for entry into the super-elite category.

Aiming for higher milestones

His next ambition is to reach an Elo rating of 2600, a mark that indicates entry into the highest tier of global chess. Alongside his sporting goals, Harikrishnan is also preparing to pursue an MBA in the United States, showcasing the balanced path many modern Indian players are taking.

Harikrishnan’s elevation to Grandmaster status highlights the growing strength of India’s chess ecosystem and serves as inspiration for the next generation of chess aspirants.

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