♟️ Famous Indian Chess Players: Legends Who Inspire Every Chess Enthusiast

 

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Chess is a deep-rooted passion in India, and these legends have made the country proud on the global chess stage. Learn about their key milestones and get inspired!

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🏆 Viswanathan Anand

• Year of Birth: 1969

• Champion Titles: First Indian Grandmaster (1988); FIDE World Chess Champion (2000); Undisputed World Champion (2007–2013)

• Notable Achievements: Five-time World Chess Champion

• Fun Fact: Awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008.

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👸 Koneru Humpy

• Year of Birth: 1987

• Champion Titles: Woman Grandmaster (2002); Grandmaster (2007); Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion (2019)

• Notable Achievements: Youngest female to achieve GM title in India at age 19

• Fun Fact: Known for her aggressive playing style and strong presence in women’s chess globally.

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🎯 Pentala Harikrishna

• Year of Birth: 1986

• Champion Titles: Grandmaster (2001)

• Notable Achievements: Represented India in Chess Olympiads since 2000; ranked in the world’s top 30 in 2016

• Fun Fact: One of India’s most consistent players in international chess tournaments.

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✨ Dronavalli Harika

• Year of Birth: 1991

• Champion Titles: Woman Grandmaster (2009)

• Notable Achievements: Bronze medalist at Women’s World Chess Championship in 2012, 2015, and 2017

• Fun Fact: Praised for her calm and strategic gameplay under pressure.

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🌟 Rising Stars: Nihal Sarin & Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa

• Nihal Sarin

  • Year of Birth: 2004

  • Champion Titles: Grandmaster (2018)

  • Notable Achievements: Youngest Indian International Master at age 10

  • Fun Fact: Known for his rapid calculation and endgame skills.

• Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa

  • Year of Birth: 2005

  • Champion Titles: Grandmaster (2018)

  • Notable Achievements: Youngest International Master at age 10; defeated several top-ranked players internationally

  • Fun Fact: Regarded as one of the brightest young talents in global chess.

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📚 Explore the World of Chess – Quick Links

• 🔗 The Global History & Legends of Chess
  Travel through time from ancient India to modern-day championships and mythic stories.

• 🔗 History of Chess in India
  Where it all began.

• 🔗 Why Chess Is Good for the Brain 
  Explore how chess boosts memory, decision-making, and focus at any age.