Top 25 Indian Chess Players of the Present Times

Introduction

Chess is a game that requires immense skill, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the game. India has a rich history in chess, with the game being introduced to the country over a thousand years ago. Over the years, India has produced numerous talented chess players who have achieved global recognition and brought several accolades to the country. In this article, we will take a look at the top 25 Indian chess players of the present times, who have made an impact in the international chess scene.

1. Viswanathan Anand

Viswanathan Anand, popularly known as “Vishy”, is a name that needs no introduction in the world of chess. Born in Chennai in 1969, Anand became the first Indian Grandmaster in 1987, at the young age of 18. He has held the top spot in the FIDE World Rankings multiple times and has won several major tournaments, including five World Chess Championships. Anand’s achievements have inspired a generation of chess players in India and he continues to be an influential figure in the Indian chess scene.

2. Pentala Harikrishna

Pentala Harikrishna is another top chess player from India, who has made a name for himself on the international stage. Born in 1986 in Andhra Pradesh, Harikrishna became a Grandmaster in 2001, at the age of 15. He has won numerous international tournaments and has represented India in several Chess Olympiads, winning the individual gold medal in 2018. He also holds the record for being the youngest player to win the Indian Junior Chess Championship, at the age of 11.

3. Vidit Gujrathi

Vidit Gujrathi is a rising star in the Indian chess scene, with a promising career ahead of him. Born in 1994, Gujrathi became a Grandmaster in 2013 and has achieved a peak FIDE rating of 2726. He has won several national and international tournaments and has represented India in the Chess Olympiad. Gujrathi’s strong and steady performance in recent years has put him in the league of top Indian chess players.

4. Koneru Humpy

Koneru Humpy is a renowned female Indian chess player, who has made a mark in a male-dominated sport. Born in 1987, Humpy became the youngest Grandmaster in the world at the age of 15, breaking the record previously held by Judit Polgar. She has won multiple national and international chess tournaments and has been a regular participant in the Women’s World Chess Championship, winning the title in 2019.

5. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, also referred to as Pragg, is one of the youngest and most promising Indian chess players of the present times. Born in 2005, Pragg became a Grandmaster in 2018 at the age of 12 years, 10 months, and 13 days, making him the second youngest Grandmaster in history. He has won numerous national and international junior tournaments and is considered to be the future of Indian chess.

6. Dronavalli Harika

Dronavalli Harika is a top female chess player from India, known for her impeccable chess skills and aggressive playing style. Born in 1991, Harika became the youngest Indian woman to become a Grandmaster at the age of 15. She has won several national and international tournaments and has represented India in the Chess Olympiad multiple times. Harika’s achievements have inspired young girls in India to pursue chess and have helped in breaking gender stereotypes in the sport.

7. Baskaran Adhiban

Baskaran Adhiban, popularly known as Adhiban, is a talented and consistent chess player from India. Born in 1992, Adhiban became a Grandmaster in 2010 and has a career-high FIDE rating of 2713. He has won multiple national and international tournaments and has represented India in the Chess Olympiad. Adhiban’s aggressive and unorthodox playing style has earned him the nickname “The Beast” in the chess world.

8. Harika Dronavalli

Harika Dronavalli is a female Indian chess player who has been a dominant force in the international chess scene for over a decade. Born in 1991, Harika became the youngest female player to achieve the title of International Master at the age of 12. She has won numerous national and international tournaments and has been a regular participant in the Women’s World Chess Championship, finishing in the top 10 multiple times. Harika’s achievements have put her in the league of top female chess players from India.

9. Santosh Gujrathi Vidit

Santosh Gujrathi Vidit, also known as Vidit Gujrathi, is a young and talented chess player who has made a name for himself in the Indian chess scene. Born in 1994, Vidit became a Grandmaster in 2013 and has a career-high FIDE rating of 2726. He has won several national and international tournaments and has represented India in the Chess Olympiad. Vidit’s achievements have put him in the league of top Indian chess players of the present times.

10. K. Sasikiran

K. Sasikiran is a leading Indian chess player who has been a consistent performer on the international stage for over two decades. Born in 1981, Sasikiran became a Grandmaster in 2000 and has a career-high FIDE rating of 2680. He has won several national and international tournaments and has represented India in the Chess Olympiad. Sasikiran’s achievements have inspired a generation of young chess players in India.

Conclusion

India has a vibrant and competitive chess scene, with a constant influx of talented players. The top 25 Indian chess players of the present times listed in this article are just a few among the many who have made an impact in the international chess scene and have brought recognition and glory to the country. With the increasing popularity of chess in India, we can expect to see many more talented players emerging in the future.