How Did Ilamparthi Become India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster?
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Synopsis
In an inspiring turn of events, Ilamparthi A.R., a talented 16-year-old from Chennai, has become India's 90th chess Grandmaster. Celebrated by Viswanathan Anand, this achievement not only highlights his hard work but also adds to India's rich chess legacy. Discover how this young prodigy is set to make waves in the chess world.
Key Takeaways
- Ilamparthi A.R. is now India's 90th chess Grandmaster.
- He achieved this title at the age of 16.
- The young chess talent is from Chennai and a student at Velammal School.
- He has a Classical chess rating of 2518.
- Ilamparthi is associated with the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy.
Mumbai, Oct 30 (NationPress) In an exciting announcement for Indian chess enthusiasts, five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand revealed on Thursday that 16-year-old Ilamparthi A.R. from Chennai has officially earned his Grandmaster title, marking him as another remarkable talent from the nation.
"Thrilled to declare Ilamparthi as a GM! As part of @WacaChess, our pride knows no bounds. He faced setbacks but returned stronger each time, showing immense potential. We look forward to collaborating for even greater accomplishments," Anand shared in a post on X.
Born in 2009, Ilamparthi has now become the 90th chess Grandmaster in India, achieving this milestone by obtaining his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. With a rating of 2518 in Classical chess, he meets all the criteria for the GM title.
The talented student from Velammal School in Chennai, which also produced Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, is viewed as one of the leading figures in the upcoming wave of Indian chess talent. He had earned his International Master's title in 2023.
In a message of congratulations, AICF president Nitin Narang tweeted: “Grandmaster No. 90 for Bharat! Kudos to Ilamparthi AR on achieving all the qualifications to become our country's 90th Grandmaster. Here's to more achievements and making the nation proud.”
Ilamparthi is a student at the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), where Vishy serves as a mentor. Many renowned Indian players, including Nihal Sarin, R. Praggnanandhaa, Raunak Sadhwani, D. Gukesh, and R. Vaishali, have been associated with WACA.
He stands out as another brilliant star in India's chess landscape, which has already produced two World Champions in Classical chess—Anand and Gukesh—and numerous champions in rapid, blitz, and global age-group tournaments over the last thirty years.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize Ilamparthi A.R.'s achievement as a testament to India's growing prominence in chess. This milestone not only reflects his personal dedication but also the supportive infrastructure that nurtures young talents. With figures like Viswanathan Anand leading the charge, the future of Indian chess looks exceptionally bright.
NationPress
15/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ilamparthi A.R.?
Ilamparthi A.R. is a 16-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai who has recently become India's 90th Grandmaster.
What milestone did Ilamparthi achieve?
He achieved the Grandmaster title by securing his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How many Grandmasters does India have now?
With Ilamparthi's recent achievement, India now has a total of 90 chess Grandmasters.
What is Ilamparthi's chess rating?
Ilamparthi has a Classical chess rating of 2518.
Which academy is Ilamparthi affiliated with?
He is a trainee at the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, where Viswanathan Anand is a mentor.
