Madhya Pradesh’s Anuj Shrivatri Makes History as India’s 100th Chess Grandmaster

Anuj Shrivatri has scripted Indian sporting history by becoming the country’s 100th chess Grandmaster and the first-ever player from Madhya Pradesh to attain the game's highest honor. The 22-year-old secured the coveted direct Grandmaster title after clinching first place at the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship held in the Philippines.

Shrivatri’s path to the championship required exceptional resilience after suffering an unexpected defeat in the tournament's opening round. Undeterred by the early setback, he mounted a stunning comeback by scoring seven points across his final eight rounds to capture the tournament trophy and seal the title.

The triumph represents a historic milestone for Madhya Pradesh, which had never previously produced a Grandmaster despite boasting an active grassroots chess community. State sports administrators and chess fraternity members celebrated the breakthrough, noting that it firmly establishes the central Indian state on the international chess circuit.

Born in Katni District and later based in Bhopal, Shrivatri was introduced to chess at an early age alongside his brother by their father, Ashok Kumar Shrivatri, a schoolteacher. Supported by his family through intensive local training and domestic competitions, he demonstrated an early aptitude that propelled him through India's competitive youth ranks.

Shrivatri steadily climbed the ranks of competitive chess, earning his International Master title in 2020 following a string of composed performances in national and international tournaments. Coaches and peers praised his positional understanding and tactical clarity, qualities that kept him moving steadily toward Grandmaster norms.

Alongside his intense chess schedule, Shrivatri pursued academic excellence, completing a Bachelor of Technology degree focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Managing rigorous engineering coursework alongside international competition required strict discipline, often demanding direct travel from university exams to competitive boards abroad.

His commitment to professional chess was tested when he received a software engineering job offer from a German corporate technology firm upon graduation. Opting for his sporting aspirations over corporate stability, Shrivatri declined the employment offer to focus exclusively on reaching the Grandmaster tier, a gamble that has now culminated in history.

Reaching the century mark of 100 Grandmasters underscores India’s continued ascent as a global chess superpower. Since Viswanathan Anand became the nation’s first Grandmaster in 1988, the sport has expanded beyond traditional strongholds like Chennai and Kolkata, with elite champions now emerging from across central and northern India.

Following his victory in the Philippines, Shrivatri is scheduled to return to India, where state authorities and sports federations are organizing formal felicitations. With his Grandmaster title secured, the young player is expected to turn his sights toward higher international rating benchmarks and invitations to premier global events.