He Quit IT Job with German Company to Make Chess History: Meet Anuj Shrivatri, India’s 100th Grandmaster

Anuj Shrivatri became Madhya Pradesh's first-ever Grandmaster after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship. Photo: ChessBase India/X

Anuj Shrivatri became India's 100th Grandmaster on November 9 after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship. The achievement also makes him the first-ever Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh.

The 100th Grandmaster milestone for India comes nearly four decades after India produced its first, with Viswanathan Anand breaking new ground in Coimbatore on December 28, 1987. Anand earned the prestigious title after winning the Shakti Finance International chess tournament in Coimbatore, paving the way for generations of Indian players to pursue excellence at the highest level.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) celebrated Shrivatri's achievement, describing it as a historic moment for the country. AICF president Nitin Narang also congratulated the newly crowned Grandmaster on a post on X.

"GRANDMASTER No. 100 FOR BHARAT! India achieves a historic milestone as Anuj Shrivatri becomes the country’s 100th Grandmaster by winning the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships 2026 in Ozamiz City, Philippines, securing the direct GM title! Congratulations, Anuj! A proud moment for Indian chess. Onwards to 200 Grandmasters!," Narang wrote.

Anuj first took his chess lesson in 2010 at a…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports