♟️ A Ra Harikrishnan Becomes India’s 87th Grandmaster – What It Means for Exams & Why It Matters Today
If you’re preparing for SSC, UPSC, Banking, or State PCS exams, here’s a name you might see in your next current affairs or static GK section — A Ra Harikrishnan, the new Grandmaster from India! Let’s break down this inspiring journey of dedication, talent, and never-give-up spirit in a way that’s easy to remember and exam-ready.
🌟 Major Milestone – A Ra Harikrishnan Enters the Prestigious Grandmaster Circle
- Who? – A Ra Harikrishnan, a chess player from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, became the Who? – Harikrishnan A Ra, a talented chess player from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has officially become the 87th Grandmaster of India.
- When? – He reached this prestigious milestone on July 11, 2025, at the La Plagne International Chess Festival in France.
- How? – By drawing his final round game against Grandmaster P. Iniyan, Harikrishnan successfully secured his third and final Grandmaster norm, completing the requirements to earn the GM title.
- Journey So Far:
- Became an International Master (IM) in 2018.
- Earned first GM norm in July 2023 at the Biel Chess Festival (Switzerland).
- Secured the second Grandmaster norm at the Lince Andújar Open held in Spain in June 2025.
- Secured the third and final norm in France after defeating GM Jules Moussard and drawing with Iniyan Pa.
- Achieved the required FIDE Elo rating of 2500 in 2024.
“I’ve waited for this moment for 7 years. It’s not just a title, it’s my life’s journey,” Harikrishnan said after achieving the milestone.
🎯 Why This News Matters for Exams
This achievement is important for static GK, sports current affairs, and Indian achievers sections across competitive exams. Here’s how:
🔹 Exam-Relevant Topics Connected:
- Chess titles in India (Static GK)
- Indian Grandmasters list (Updates regularly)
- FIDE norms & rating system (Understanding sports titles)
- Current Affairs – July 2025
📝 Sample Exam Questions:
Who achieved the title of India’s 87th Chess Grandmaster in July 2025?
A) L.R. Srihari
B) A Ra Harikrishnan ✅
C) Nihal Sarin
D) P. Iniyan
Q2. How many Grandmaster (GM) norms must a player earn to be awarded the GM title in chess?
A) 2
B) 3 ✅
C) 5
D) 4
Q3. What is the minimum Elo rating required to become a Chess Grandmaster?
A) 2400
B) 2600
C) 2500 ✅
D) 2450
🏛️ Grandmaster Title: Meaning, Rules, and Process
The title of Grandmaster (GM) is the highest title awarded in chess by the FIDE (International Chess Federation). Here’s how one becomes a GM:
- Three GM norms: These are earned by performing at a high level in FIDE-recognized tournaments against titled players.
- Minimum Elo Rating of 2500: The rating reflects a player’s strength. Harikrishnan surpassed this in 2024.
- Tournaments across countries: To gain international exposure, norms are often earned across various countries.
“The GM title is not just a result — it’s a combination of talent, strategy, mental strength, and international experience,” say coaches.
Exam Booster: Who Was the First Indian Grandmaster?
- Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988.
- Koneru Humpy – First Indian woman to become a Grandmaster in 2002.
- L.R. Srihari was officially recognized as India’s 86th Grandmaster in May 2025 after fulfilling all the necessary requirements for the title.
Trivia & Lesser-Known Facts
Here are some cool facts to make your prep more interesting:
- Tamil Nadu holds the record for producing the highest number of Indian Grandmasters — 32 out of the total 87!
- Harikrishnan got his FIDE rating at age 7, the youngest Indian to do so at that time.
- He recently completed his M.Com from SRM University and plans to pursue MBA in the USA.
- He’s played over 20 international tournaments since 2021 in countries like Spain, Morocco, France, Russia, and Portugal.
- He trains under GM Shyam Sundar at Chess Thulir Academy in Chennai.
🚀 Harikrishnan A Ra’s Road to Grandmaster – A Remarkable Timeline of Dedication and Success
| Year | Milestone |
| 2006 | Started playing chess at age 5 |
| 2011 | Earned his first FIDE rating at age 7 |
| 2018 | Became an International Master (IM) |
| 2023 | Achieved first GM norm at Biel Chess Festival, Switzerland |
| 2024 | Crossed 2500 Elo rating |
| 2025 | Got second GM norm at Lince Andújar Open, Spain |
| July 2025 | Earned final GM norm at La Plagne International Chess Festival, France |
🔎 What Sets Harikrishnan Apart?
While most players take breaks between tournaments, Harikrishnan does the opposite. He believes in momentum and plays back-to-back events:
- Played 7 international tournaments in a row.
- Aims for Elo rating of 2600 now.
- Manages both academics and chess with balance and discipline.
- Quote: “Now that I’m a GM, the real journey begins. 2600 is my next goal.”
His passion, clarity of goals, and hard work offer lessons not just in chess, but also for students preparing for competitive exams.
🗣️ Coach’s Insight: A Future Star in the Making
Coach GM Shyam Sundar shares:
“Harikrishnan is focused, consistent, and committed. Even after becoming a GM, his next target is set. That’s what sets him apart.”
Their training sessions cover:
- Complex opening theory like the Reti Opening
- Calculation exercises
- Strategic middle-game analysis
“Now we’ll experiment with styles and aim for 2650+ rating,” said Shyam Sundar.
India’s Grandmaster Growth – A Quick View
- First GM (1988): Viswanathan Anand
- First Woman GM: Koneru Humpy (2002)
- Total GMs in India (as of July 2025): 87
- Youngest GM (2023): Gukesh D (12 years old)
This steady rise shows India’s growing dominance in global chess and is a positive sign for sports aspirants and policymakers.
🧾 Summary: What Should You Remember?
- A. Ra Harikrishnan achieved the title of India’s 87th Chess Grandmaster on July 11, 2025.
- He earned GM norms in Switzerland, Spain, and France.
- He is from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and trained by GM Shyam Sundar.
- He plans to reach a rating of 2600+ and pursue an MBA.
- This update is important for Static GK, Current Affairs, and Sports Awareness in exams.
💬 Final Note for Aspirants
Every Grandmaster has one thing in common — discipline, patience, and belief. Just like Harikrishnan played nearly a decade before becoming a GM, your exam journey too is a matter of consistent effort.
“Don’t quit after failures — you may be just one step away from success.”
Keep revising, stay sharp, and let Harikrishnan’s journey inspire you to chase your goals — move by move.
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