India on the Brink of 100 GMs: V.S. Rathanvel Becomes the Nation’s 99th Grandmaster

• V.S. Rathanvel crosses 2500 Elo at Guwahati Open 2026 to earn GM title.

• Completed required norms in 2022 but waited nearly five years to meet rating mark.

• India now stands one Grandmaster short of the 100 milestone.

• 25-year-old Coimbatore player overcame repeated near-misses and mental setbacks.

• AICF hails achievement as historic step for Indian chess.

India’s ascent as a global chess powerhouse moved one step closer to a symbolic milestone as V.S. Rathanvel secured the country’s 99th Grandmaster title, finally breaching the coveted 2500 Elo rating barrier at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026.

For the 25-year-old from Coimbatore, the moment marked the end of a prolonged and emotionally taxing journey. Although he had completed the three required Grandmaster norms as early as 2022, the rating threshold proved elusive for nearly five years. What is often the final formal step toward the title turned into a sustained test of perseverance.

A Long Wait for the Final Leap

Rathanvel had come within touching distance of the 2500 mark multiple times, only to fall short. In competitive chess — a discipline where psychological strength is as critical as technical precision — such near-misses can weigh heavily.

Reflecting on the journey, he admitted that repeated setbacks can trigger self-doubt, affecting performance in a sport driven by mental clarity and confidence. Crossing the rating milestone, he said, brought immense satisfaction and relief.

With the pressure of chasing rating points now lifted, Rathanvel believes he can approach tournaments with greater composure. Playing without the constant burden of protecting or chasing rating gains, he suggested, could unlock improved results.

From Child Prodigy to Grandmaster

Rathanvel’s chess story began early. A World Youth Under-10 bronze medallist, he emerged as one of India’s strongest International Masters over the past several years. Introduced to the game at the age of six, he trained initially at the Kovai Kids Chess

Academy before progressing through India’s intensely competitive chess circuit.

Over the years, he benefited from guidance by several accomplished Grandmasters, including Vishnu Prasanna, Narayanan Srinath, Shyam Sundar and Sundarrajan Kidambi. Their mentorship helped refine his positional understanding and competitive temperament.

Although academically trained as a mechanical engineer, Rathanvel has chosen to pursue chess professionally. He balances independent training with participation in European leagues and supplements his career by coaching students online. His parents operate a wedding card printing business in Coimbatore, providing steady support throughout his journey.

Eyes on Stronger Events

Now that he has attained the Grandmaster title, Rathanvel is setting his sights on higher-level competitions. He hopes the designation will open doors to stronger invitational tournaments, where facing elite opposition could accelerate his progress.

He indicated that plans for major international events will likely take shape by September, signalling his intent to leverage the momentum generated by this breakthrough.

India’s Chess Momentum Continues

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) welcomed the achievement, noting its broader significance. With Rathanvel’s elevation, India stands just one Grandmaster short of reaching the three-digit landmark — a testament to the country’s rapid rise in the global chess arena.

AICF president Nitin Narang congratulated Rathanvel, describing the accomplishment as a proud moment for Indian chess and expressing confidence that it would serve as a stepping stone to further international success.

India’s chess ecosystem has expanded dramatically over the past decade, producing world-class talent across age categories. From grassroots academies to international league participation, the structure supporting emerging players has strengthened considerably.

A Milestone with Meaning

While the numerical achievement of 100 Grandmasters looms large, Rathanvel’s journey highlights the human dimension behind such milestones. Titles in chess demand not only technical excellence but also resilience in the face of setbacks.

His breakthrough in Guwahati stands as a reminder that progress in elite sport is rarely linear. Persistence, adaptability and mental strength often prove as decisive as preparation on the board.

As India prepares to welcome its 100th Grandmaster, Rathanvel’s hard-earned success underscores the depth of talent and determination driving the nation’s continued ascent in world chess.