India celebrates its 87th Grandmaster as Chennai’s Harikrishnan A Ra secures his final norm in France. At 23, he marks a milestone for Indian chess, showcasing talent and grit. This achievement, earned at the La Plagne International Chess Festival, highlights his journey from a young prodigy to a global contender. With Tamil Nadu producing 32 Grandmasters, Harikrishnan’s success fuels India’s chess dominance. His story inspires aspiring players to chase dreams relentlessly.
Harikrishnan’s Path to Grandmaster Glory
Harikrishnan’s chess journey began at five, inspired by his brother Venkata Krishnan, a state-level player. He earned his FIDE rating at seven, the youngest Indian then. In 2018, he became an International Master. His first Grandmaster norm came in July 2023 at Switzerland’s Biel International Chess Festival. He secured his second norm at Spain’s Lince Andujar Open in June 2024. The final norm arrived in France, fulfilling a promise to his coach, Shyam Sundar. “I was adamant this time that I really wanted to become a GM,” Harikrishnan said, reflecting on his focus.
His mother, Renga Nachiar, an international arbiter, supported his early steps. Harikrishnan credits his resurgence in 2022 to rigorous training with Shyam. “It was the year I started training with Shyam sir, and we worked on a lot of stuff,” he shared. Their focus on calculations, dynamics, and the Reti opening, a favorite of Vladimir Kramnik, sharpened his game.
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Aiming Higher: The Next Chess Frontier
Harikrishnan, now India’s 87th Grandmaster, eyes a 2600 rating. He plans tournaments in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal to boost his rating to 2530 or 2540. “Till I became a GM, it felt like a huge thing. But now that I’ve done it, it doesn’t feel like a lot,” he said, emphasizing the journey’s value. His coach agrees, urging deeper work on openings. “What helped him reach 2500 might not be enough to go beyond,” Shyam noted, pushing Harikrishnan to challenge 2650-rated GMs.
India’s chess scene thrives, with talents like Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi leading globally. Harikrishnan’s milestone strengthens Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a chess hub. As he competes abroad, Harikrishnan carries India’s flag, inspiring fans and players. His story proves dedication, and strategic growth can turn dreams into reality.
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