VS Rathanvel becomes India's 99th Grandmaster after re-crossing 2500 in Hungary
Chess
VS Rathanvel became India's 99th Grandmaster after finally securing the required 2500 rating in Hungary, ending a four-year wait.
The Coimbatore player had completed his norms in 2022 but FIDE did not recognise his initial rating achievement, forcing him to cross the 2500 mark again.
His journey involved setbacks, pressure and uncertainty, and the milestone concluded with relief rather than celebration.