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Sports Spirit

Vaishali Rameshbabu Shines Bright: India’s Chess Star Wins FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025

On September 15, 2025, Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu created history by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025. Scoring 8 points in 11 rounds, she finished level with Russia’s Kateryna Lagno but triumphed on tie-breaks to lift the coveted title. This victory also earned her a spot in the prestigious Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, making her the third Indian woman to qualify, alongside Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. The tournament, organized by FIDE, the international governing body of chess, was part of the qualification cycle for the 2026 Women’s World Chess Championship. Vaishali’s triumph is not only a personal milestone but also a landmark achievement in the story of Indian chess.Prime Minister’s CongratulationsThe magnitude of her success was underlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated her on social media platform X:“Outstanding accomplishment. Congrats to Vaishali Rameshbabu. Her passion and dedication are exemplary. Best wishes for her future endeavours.” This recognition from the country’s highest leadership highlights how far Indian chess has come, especially in women’s categories, where players like Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Divya Deshmukh, and now Vaishali Rameshbabu continue to make waves internationally. A Year of Struggles and Comeback What makes Vaishali’s victory truly remarkable is the timing. The win came on the heels of a difficult few months. She had underperformed at several major events, scoring just 1.5 points in nine rounds at the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, falling short in the World Cup quarterfinals against Tan Zhongyi, and struggling in elite tournaments such as the Norway Chess Women’s Tournament, the Grand Prix events in Austria and Pune, and the Tata Steel Women’s Challengers. For many athletes, such setbacks can shake confidence. But Vaishali chose resilience over despair. She worked hard on her game, refined her strategies, and displayed nerves of steel in the Grand Swiss. This personal comeback makes her triumph even more inspiring.The Grand Swiss ChallengeThe FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 was a grueling 11-round Swiss-system tournament, featuring some of the world’s strongest players. Every round brought new challenges, and consistency was key. Vaishali not only managed to stay unbeaten in crucial encounters but also demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Her victory also aligned with a broader success story for Indian chess. On the open side, Dutch GM Anish Giri emerged victorious, with Matthias Blübaum as the runner-up, both qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. For India, however, the spotlight was firmly on Vaishali, who showed the world that the country’s women players are no less formidable than their male counterparts.A Golden Era for Indian Women’s ChessVaishali’s victory adds to what is shaping up to be a golden era for Indian women’s chess. With Divya Deshmukh clinching the Women’s World Cup, Koneru Humpy reaching the finals of the same event, and now Vaishali winning the Grand Swiss, India has three players qualifying for the Candidates 2026—an unprecedented moment in history. This surge of success demonstrates the depth of talent emerging from India. It also sends a strong message about the importance of supporting women athletes, who continue to break barriers despite facing fewer resources and opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Vaishali’s win is more than just a medal. It is a call for recognition of women’s chess in India. The hope is that such achievements will bring more sponsorships, better infrastructure, and stronger training systems to nurture future champions. With her place secured in the Candidates 2026, Vaishali now has the opportunity to challenge for the world title itself. If she continues her current trajectory, she could follow in the footsteps of legends like Judit Polgár or Hou Yifan, establishing herself as one of the greats. 

16 Sep 2025
Sports Spirit

Star Citizens

Chennai’s Harikrishnan Joins Elite Club as India’s 87th Grandmaster

In the world of chess, the journey from International Master (IM) to Grandmaster (GM) is often seen as the most difficult climb. For many, this step becomes the stumbling block that defines their career. But for Harikrishnan A. Ra., a 23-year-old chess champion from Chennai, the climb was slow, steady and ultimately, victorious. In July 2025, Harikrishnan officially became India’s 87th Grandmaster, sealing his final norm at the La Plagne Masters in France, just days after achieving his second GM norm at the Lince Andújar Open in Spain. Achieving two GM norms in just 15 days is no ordinary feat; it’s the kind of success that reflects more than just talent. It’s a story built on resilience, faith, self-discipline, and a support system that never gave up on him.Family: The Silent Backbone of a ChampionBehind every successful athlete stands a family that believed when others doubted. For Harikrishnan, this was certainly true. In a country where academic success is often prioritized over sports, the choice to pursue a chess career is not always straightforward. But Hari’s family saw his potential early on and most importantly, they trusted his passion. They let him chase his goals without unnecessary pressure or distractions, offering emotional stability. That kind of support becomes a foundation, especially when the path gets steep. When Harikrishnan approached his coach in late 2022, he was already a strong IM but without sponsors. Like many aspiring chess players in India, he faced the constant struggle of managing costs for training, travel, and tournaments. He took up coaching to support his career, even while sharpening his own skills. His coach ensured that teaching others never interfered with his personal progress.Self-Work: The Discipline That Separates Good from GreatCoaching sessions are important, but self-work is where champions are truly made. Hari understood this well. He took personal responsibility for his development, updating his coach nearly every day about what he was studying, what he was struggling with, and what he wanted to improve. He became an integral part of a tightly knit training group of players rated above 2300. They would often exchange opening files and ideas, pushing each other forward like a team chasing a shared dream. But Hari also knew when to step away from the board. He maintained his physical fitness through regular badminton sessions and even joined his peers for turf cricket during training camps. This balance of mind and body, intensity and relaxation, helped keep him focused through the long grind. He wasn’t playing events randomly. Each tournament was a stepping stone, chosen with clear goals and preparation. Encouraged by his coach, he took the bold step of playing four to five international tournaments, sometimes traveling alone—experiences that not only toughened him as a competitor but helped him grow as a person. And even after achieving his GM title, he didn’t rush home for celebration. He stuck to his tournament schedule, staying grounded and focused. That rare maturity is what sets future champions apart from one-time winners.What is a Grandmaster in Chess, and Why Is It Important?In chess, a Grandmaster (GM) is the highest title a player can achieve. It is awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation, and once you become a GM, you hold the title for life. Only the most skilled and consistent players earn it. To become a GM, a player must get three GM norms, which are strong performances in international tournaments, and also reach a FIDE rating of 2500 or more at some point in their career. These norms must be achieved by playing against other strong, titled players, often from different countries. Being a Grandmaster is not just about winning games. It means the player has deep knowledge of openings, strong calculation skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. It takes years of practice, discipline, and often financial sacrifice to reach this level.The Bigger Picture: A Message for Young Indian PlayersIn a country that continues to produce world-class talent, Harikrishnan’s journey sends a clear message: there is no “right age” to become a GM. What matters is how badly you want it—and how smartly you work for it.For those stuck at the IM stage, wondering if the dream is still alive, Hari’s success is a beacon. It shows that with the right mindset, proper support, and unwavering grit, the final leap from IM to GM is not just possible—it’s waiting to be made.

17 Jul 2025
Star Citizens

Humpy Koneru Shines Again: A Continued Win at Norway Chess Women Championship!

Grandmaster Humpy Koneru, India’s evergreen chess icon, has reignited the chessboard in Stavanger, reclaiming the sole lead at the 2nd Norway Chess Women’s tournament with a commanding victory over Sara Khadem in Round 8 with patience and steel-sharp precision. Scoring a full 3 points under the scoring system, she now stands tall at 13.5 points, ahead of formidable contenders Anna Muzychuk and Ju Wenjun, both trailing by a full point. In this  tournament, Humpy is crafting a masterpiece with wisdom and experience. Inside the Mind of a Grandmaster!The eighth round saw Humpy playing with black and swiftly moving into a position of subtle pressure. With Khadem's weakening 20.f3 push, Humpy created a positional masterpiece, targeting the soft e3 square and coaxing White into uncomfortable territory. Although time trouble briefly shadowed her precision, Humpy’s poise prevailed, turning the heat into a win. Known for her historic 2002 World Junior Girls' Championship win and being the youngest female GM of her time, Humpy continues to shatter ceilings two decades on.Strategy and Grace: The Final Rounds Await!The Norway Chess Women tournament has emerged as one of the most prestigious and high-intensity arenas for the world’s top women players, blending classical, Armageddon, and blitz formats. With just two rounds remaining post the rest day, all eyes are on Humpy, who holds the advantage and the experience to carry this all the way. Humpy’s calm brilliance and enduring flair shines the brightest. As she steps into the final battles, India watches with bated breath, cheering not just for a win, but for the story of a chess queen who never stopped conquering.

5 Jun 2025
Star Citizens

Born to Win: Gukesh Celebrates 19 with Checkmates and Comebacks!

On his 19th birthday, Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh gifted himself more than just a slice of cake, he delivered back-to-back victories at the prestigious Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger. Starting the day with a stunning classical win against World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, Gukesh wrapped it up with a thrilling Armageddon triumph over World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana. What makes this feat even more remarkable is the shaky start. He had suffered early losses to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi. With grit and grace, Gukesh bounced back, rising to joint fourth position after four rounds, earning admiration from fans and legends alike.Gukesh’s Tactical Brilliance Shines! The birthday boy showed immense composure against Fabiano Caruana. Gukesh, learning from past mistakes like his rushed king advancement against Erigaisi, maintained a strategic stance throughout. When the game transitioned to Armageddon, the tie-break format, Gukesh, playing white, displayed absolute dominance. With 10 minutes on his clock (against Caruana’s 7), he launched a ferocious offensive, pushing Caruana into deep defense. After 51 intense moves, with checkmate looming, Caruana conceded, sealing Gukesh's second win of the day and giving him a birthday memory of a lifetime.Rising from the Ashes: Gukesh’s Journey in Norway!Gukesh’s journey in Norway Chess has been nothing short of a cinematic comeback. With zero points after two rounds, many questioned if he could hold his own among elite giants. But he silenced critics with his white-piece victory over Nakamura, one of the most feared rapid and blitz players in the world. Commentator and Grandmaster Sahaj Grover highlighted how Gukesh remained calm even when down a pawn and dangerously close to losing. Gukesh’s resilience, sharp endgame skills, and mental strength now have him sharing the fourth spot with Erigaisi at 4.5 points, with six rounds still to go.A Teen Titan Among Titans!The tournament leader Magnus Carlsen continues his streak at the top with eight points, undefeated under classical time control. Caruana follows closely with seven, and Nakamura holds third with 5.5. But all eyes are on Gukesh, the youngest in the field and now the newly crowned World Chess Champion. Post-match, seated beside Indian legend Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh humbly reflected on his journey: “The first two days, my play was okay, but my time management was off. Once I fixed that, everything started falling into place.” His growth as a player and maturity in handling pressure have impressed the chess world. On and off the board, Gukesh is proving that age is just a number, and 19 might just be his golden year.

31 May 2025
Star Citizens

The Chess Maestro: Praggnanandhaa's Thrilling Victory at Superbet Chess Classic Romania

In a nail-biting finish that will be etched in the memories of chess enthusiasts for a long time, 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu emerged victorious at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, claiming his maiden Grand Chess Tour title. This incredible victory is more than just a win for Praggnanandhaa — it’s a reflection of his steady focus, relentless effort, and sheer brilliance on the board. It firmly places him among the brightest young stars in the global chess arena.The Superbet Chess Classic Romania, held in Bucharest  brought together ten elite grandmasters who battled it out for the coveted title. The tournament was a masterclass in strategic brilliance, with Praggnanandhaa checkmating  his opponents at every turn. After a crucial win against Wesley So in the penultimate round, Praggnanandhaa took the lead, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.The Superbet Chess Classic RomaniaThe Superbet Chess Classic Romania is a prestigious chess tournament that brings together the world's top players in a battle of wits and strategy. Held in the grand Hotel Bucharest, Romania, this event is part of the Grand Chess Tour. The tournament follows a 10-player round-robin format with 9 rounds, where each player faces every other participant once. The time control is set at 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, plus a 30-second increment starting on move one.The Superbet Chess Classic Romania has become a highlight of the chess calendar, showcasing the intellectual and competitive prowess of the world's best players. With a prize fund of $350,000, the tournament attracts a strong field of participants, including World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Fabiano Caruana, and Levon Aronian. The Final Round: A Three-Way Tie for GloryIn the final round, Praggnanandhaa secured a solid draw against Levon Aronian, guaranteeing at least a share of first place. However, the drama was far from over. Two other players, Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, were still in contention for the title. Firouzja took a bold approach against Bogdan-Daniel Deac, and his persistence paid off when Deac blundered on move 52, handing Firouzja a crucial win. Meanwhile, Vachier-Lagrave capitalized on a misstep by Jan-Krzysztof Duda, joining Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa in a three-way tie for first . The stage was set for a thrilling playoff to determine the champion. The three players would compete in a single round-robin format with a 5-minute + 2-second increment time control. The tension was palpable as the players clashed in a battle of wits. The first game between Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa ended in a draw, while Vachier-Lagrave and Firouzja split a point in their game.The Decisive MomentThe third game between Praggnanandhaa and Vachier-Lagrave proved to be the turning point. In an endgame with a pair of rooks and queens, Vachier-Lagrave missed a chance to trade the rooks, likely leading to a draw. However, just three moves later, he committed a decisive mistake, allowing Praggnanandhaa to seize the opportunity and clinch the win. This moment marked the culmination of Praggnanandhaa's remarkable journey to the title . Praggnanandhaa's victory is a proof to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. At just 19 years old, he has already secured his second major title of the year, further consolidating his top position in the FIDE Circuit 2025.The Game of KingsChess is a game that requires strategic brilliance, focus, and mental endurance. It's a game that transcends borders and cultures, bringing people together in a shared passion for the sport. Praggnanandhaa's victory is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a bit of creativity, anything is possible.As Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian chess grandmaster, noted, "Congratulations to Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Great show of nerves in the blitz. A very impressive performance" , Praggnanandhaa's win is a shining example of what can be achieved with talent, dedication, and a winning mindset.

19 May 2025
Star Citizens

Good News

Koneru Humpy Becomes First Indian Woman to Win FIDE Women’s Grand Prix

In the world of chess, where strategy meets skill, one name stands out  Koneru Humpy. The Indian grandmaster has once again proven her  game, by winning against  China's Zhu Jiner to claim the coveted FIDE Women’s Grand Prix title. This victory is not just a proof  to Humpy's exceptional chess skills but also a reflection of her dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.Early Life and CareerBorn on March 31, 1987, in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India, Koneru Humpy is a renowned Indian chess grandmaster who has been making waves in the chess world since the age of six. Her father, Koneru Ashok, a state champion in Andhra Pradesh, discovered her talent and began coaching her. Humpy's early life was marked by intense training and participation in various chess tournaments. She won several national and international titles, including the World Youth Chess Championship in the under-10, under-12, and under-14 categories. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her the title of Grandmaster in 2002, making her the youngest female player to achieve this feat at the time.FIDE TournamentThe FIDE Women's Grand Prix is a series of international chess tournaments organized by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The tournament features some of the world's top female chess players, competing in a round-robin format. The winner is determined by the total points accumulated throughout the series. The top three players in the Grand Prix standings qualify for the Women's Candidates tournament, which determines the challenger for the Women's World Chess Championship.A Thrilling ConclusionThe final round was a nail-biter, with Humpy and Zhu Jiner neck and neck in the standings. While Zhu Jiner battled it out with Russian competitor Polina Shuvalova, Humpy faced off against Bulgaria's Nurgyul Salimova. In a stunning display of chess prowess, both Humpy and Zhu Jiner emerged victorious, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. With both players finishing with identical points, the title was decided based on tie-break criteria, and Humpy's superior score secured her the championship. Humpy's journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early days as a chess learner  to her current status as a world-renowned grandmaster, she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional talent and dedication. Her numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year, are a proof to her outstanding contributions to the world of chess.Inspiring a GenerationHumpy's victory is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration to millions of young chess enthusiasts in India and around the world. As a role model, Humpy's impact extends beyond the chessboard, encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in sports and STEM fields. With this victory, Humpy has cemented her position as one of the world's top chess players. As she looks to the future, she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate others with her remarkable talent and achievements. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of chess to transform lives and communities, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning.Celebrating Humpy's Achievement- Historic win: Humpy becomes the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix title in its current format.- Chess icon: Humpy's victory solidifies her position as one of the world's top chess players, inspiring a new generation of players.- Role model: Humpy's achievement serves as a ray  of hope for young girls and women in India and around the world,

25 Apr 2025
Good News

Flawless Victory: Chess Player P. Shyam becomes the 85th Grandmaster of India

After a patient journey spanning over a decade, Shyam Nikhil, a chess player from Tamil Nadu, has finally achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster (GM), becoming India’s 85th grandmaster. Nikhil, now 31 years old, earned his third norm during the Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge, marking a significant milestone in his career. Nikhil’s way to grandmaster status was described by determination and confidence. The 12-year wait is now finally ended ~ P Shyam Nikhil began studying chess when he was eight years old. At home, he had a chess board. He learned some chess skills from his dad. Since his area did not provide many chess competitions or possibilities, he began playing at the age of eleven. He began playing outside of his hometown after only playing under-11. He qualified for the Nationals and finished second after winning his first State Championship in the Under-13 division. For Shyam, that State championship sticks in his memory. Shyam started working at Indian Railways' Integral Coach Factory in 2017. They give him all of their support, including leaves, for his chess career. Despite the promise of his debut as a teenage sensation, he encountered a number of challenges along the way. 2010 saw Nikhil become a Worldwide Expert (IM) at the age of 18, and he soon attained two of the three requirements needed to be awarded the GM title.He exceeded the 2500 rating focuses required for the Grandmaster title by 2012. Nevertheless, fate had other ideas, and Nikhil had to deal with setbacks and near-misses while searching for the elusive third level. Nikhil's parents, P Santhi and K Ponnuswamy, supported him wholeheartedly the entire way, helping him navigate the highs and lows of competitive chess. Nikhil persisted in his pursuit of the grandmaster title in the face of obstacles and failures. Nikhil maintained his concentration on his objectives, striking a balance between his desires and the requirements of keeping up a competitive ranking and earning a spot on the Railways squad. His goal is to keep raising his rating and raising the calibre of his play. He looks forward to winning more games of chess with a sense of fulfilment and resolve. P Shyam Nikhil in action at Dubai Police Masters 2024 | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy India has seen a steady rise in the popularity of chess. R. Vaishali, Koustav Chatterjee, Pranesh M, Vignesh NR, Sayantan Das, Prraneeth Vuppala, and Aditya Samant were the seven national chess grandmasters who attained this designation last year. Vaishali was appointed the 84th Grandmaster of the nation. India spearheaded the worldwide drive led by young prodigies D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali. Gukesh defeated World Champion Ding Liren in the 2024 Candidates competition. Praggnanandhaa received much acclaim after placing second in the 2023 Chess World Cup. Prominent figures Koneru Humpy, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi have left their imprint. "I am really happy for this title because my parents were expecting it for a long, long time. So for them, I really feel very happy, and it's successfully done. For me, I wanted to play good games, like Mikhail Tal, Garry Kasparov's games. I wanted to play just in a way to have that enjoyment in the game. That is my main motive. Now that the title is done, I can play more freely." - India's latest GM, P Shyam Nikhil, on what the Grandmaster title means to him. Shyam believes  that there is still a long way to go and that he will keep improving and play more good games in the future. 

16 May 2024
Good News

Vaishali and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa Make History as Grandmasters

Indian chess prodigy Vaishali Rameshbabu achieved the coveted Grandmaster title by surpassing 2,500 points in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) rankings during the IV El Llobregat Open in Spain. This remarkable feat not only secured her place among the elite but also marked her as only the third Indian woman, following the likes of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, to attain this prestigious title. Vaishali's achievement holds an even more exceptional distinction as she and her younger brother, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, now stand as the first-ever sibling duo in history to both hold the esteemed Grandmaster title. Their shared dedication and talent have etched their names in the records of chess history. However, what makes a Grandmaster? This illustrious rank, the highest in chess, is bestowed by FIDE, the governing body of international chess. It signifies unparalleled skill and success in the game, earned through rigorous competition against equally adept players globally. The road to becoming a Grandmaster involves meeting stringent criteria: achieving a FIDE Classical or Standard rating of 2,500 and acquiring three Grandmaster norms. These norms demand outstanding performances in specific tournaments against top-tier opponents from various federations, following a set of stringent regulations outlined by FIDE. The title, once conferred, remains a lifelong recognition, symbolizing exceptional mastery in the game, unless tainted by proven unethical conduct such as cheating. The evolution of this title over the years reflects the ever-increasing standards and challenges faced by chess players striving for greatness. Vaishali's ascent to Grandmaster status not only underscores her individual brilliance but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess enthusiasts.

3 Dec 2023
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