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Harikrishnan A Ra Becomes India’s 87th Chess Grandmaster.

Sports | Dated: 14 Jul 2025

In July 2025, Harikrishnan A Ra, a 23-year-old chess maestro from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, achieved a major milestone by becoming India’s 87th Grandmaster (GM). He secured his third and final GM norm at the prestigious La Plagne International Chess Festival in France, fulfilling a promise to his coach, GM Shyam Sundar Mohanraj.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Harikrishnan had previously earned two GM norms: the first at the Biel International Chess Festival in Switzerland (2023), and the second at the Lince Andújar Chess Open in Spain (June 2025). Coming close multiple times, he finally realized his goal in France.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Graduating from International Master (IM) in 2018, Harikrishnan’s journey spanned seven years. He crossed the required 2500 Elo rating threshold with his final norm, finishing with 5.5/9 points in the tournament, and earning 16 Elo points.
  • (ii) Trained at Chess Thulir academy in Chennai under the mentorship of GM Shyam Sundar, Harikrishnan showcased exceptional determination. Known for participating in nine consecutive European tournaments, he continues to aim for a 2600+ Elo rating and plans to pursue an MBA in the USA.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who was recently declared India’s 87th Chess Grandmaster?

Correct Answer: Harikrishnan A Ra

🚀 Quick Recap: