PM Modi congratulates Anuj Shrivatri after India records 100th chess Grandmaster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Anuj Shrivatri after Shrivatri became India's 100th chess Grandmaster by winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship on Sunday. Modi posted the message on X, celebrating the milestone and praising Shrivatri's achievement.

India's emergence in international chess was the focus of Modi's remarks, which highlighted the dedication of players and the sport's growing popularity among young people. In his post the Prime Minister wrote: "India has hit a century in chess! Exceptional isn't it? India is now home to a hundred chess Grandmasters! Congratulations to Anuj Shrivatri on becoming India's 100th Chess Grandmaster! What a wonderful achievement it is," and added: "India reaching 100 Grandmasters is a remarkable milestone that reflects the immense talent, dedication and hard work of our players as well as the growing popularity of chess among our youth. It is particularly heartening to see young chess talents emerging from different parts of the country and making their mark on the global stage."

Shrivatri, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, clinched the Grandmaster title after finishing first at the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship on Sunday. That victory made him not only India's 100th Grandmaster but also the first player from Madhya Pradesh to earn the distinction.

His path to the title was not straightforward: after suffering a defeat in the opening round, Shrivatri rebounded by scoring seven points across his final eight games to turn his campaign around and finish on top. The run through the remainder of the event produced the result that secured his Grandmaster status.

Observers and officials framed the milestone as part of a broader upward trend in Indian chess, noting a steady rise in the country's profile at international events. Players from several Indian states have emerged through national ranks to compete internationally, and Shrivatri's achievement contributes to that pattern.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that Shrivatri's success would inspire more young people to take up chess and to pursue excellence in the sport. That encouragement forms part of the public response to India reaching the century mark for Grandmasters.

With more young talents entering the sport, Shrivatri's success could provide further encouragement to the next generation of Indian chess players.