India’s Chess Glory Continues
India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster Raahul VS Triumphs at ASEAN Championship: Indian chess continues its meteoric rise as Raahul VS becomes India’s 91st Grandmaster after clinching the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship 2025 with a round to spare. His victory highlights not just individual brilliance but also India’s strong position in world chess. The achievement marks another step in India’s ongoing journey to becoming a global chess powerhouse.
Static GK fact: The title of “Grandmaster” is awarded by FIDE, the International Chess Federation, which governs international chess competitions worldwide.
Raahul VS Journey to Success
Raahul VS’s journey reflects immense dedication and consistent progress. He earned his International Master (IM) title in November 2021 after achieving five IM norms and crossing the 2400 live rating mark. His commanding performance in the ASEAN Championship 2025 allowed him to secure the GM norm with a round remaining, proving his readiness for the top title.
Static GK Tip: The first Indian Grandmaster was Viswanathan Anand, who achieved the title in 1988, laying the foundation for India’s chess revolution.
Rapid Rise of Young Indian Grandmasters
India has witnessed a remarkable surge in new Grandmasters in 2025. Just before Raahul’s achievement, Illamparthi AR from Chennai became the 90th Grandmaster, earning his final norm at the Bijeljina Open 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Similarly, S Rohith Krishna, who became the 89th Grandmaster in August 2025, achieved his final norm at the Almaty Masters Qonaev Cup in Kazakhstan after scoring 6/9 and surpassing the 2500 Elo rating threshold.
This consistent addition of young talent underscores India’s growing chess culture, supported by strong youth academies, digital platforms, and international exposure.
Static GK fact: India now ranks among the top three nations globally in terms of the number of active Grandmasters, after Russia and the United States.
Understanding the Grandmaster Title
The Grandmaster (GM) title is the highest chess title awarded by FIDE. It ranks above other titles such as International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), and Candidate Master (CM). To earn it, a player must achieve:
- Three GM norms in FIDE-rated international tournaments.
- A minimum rating of 2500 Elo at any point in their career.
This title represents excellence in strategic mastery, consistency, and endurance — qualities that define champions like Raahul VS.
Static GK Tip: The Elo rating system, developed by Arpad Elo, measures a player’s relative strength based on game results.
India’s Growing Chess Ecosystem
India’s rapid production of Grandmasters demonstrates the success of chess initiatives such as Khelo India Chess Programmes, online chess training platforms, and government-backed sports scholarships. With players like Raahul VS, Illamparthi AR, and S Rohith Krishna, India’s next chess era is being written — one move at a time.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster Raahul VS Triumphs at ASEAN Championship:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | 6th ASEAN Individual Championship 2025 |
| Winner | Raahul VS |
| Title Achieved | India’s 91st Grandmaster |
| Previous Grandmasters | 90th – Illamparthi AR; 89th – S Rohith Krishna |
| Governing Body | FIDE (International Chess Federation) |
| GM Title Requirement | Three GM norms + 2500 Elo rating |
| First Indian Grandmaster | Viswanathan Anand (1988) |
| Venue of Illamparthi’s Final Norm | Bijeljina Open, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Venue of Rohith Krishna’s Final Norm | Almaty Masters Qonaev Cup, Kazakhstan |
| Global Rank of India (No. of GMs) | Among Top Three Nations |
