Sahithi Varshini Moogi becomes India's latest Woman Grandmaster after family sacrifices

Sahithi Varshini Moogi became India’s latest Woman Grandmaster in India, the Times of India reported on 13 October 2026.

Her father, Lokeswara Moogi Rao, served as her coach; he sold property and quit his job to support her, and her mother pledged gold.

She lost nearly three years to the pandemic and faced financial hardships and limited opportunities, and her father continues pursuing her dream of chess greatness.