Recently, Anuj Srivatri of India has become the 100th Grand Master of the country. India's Vishwanathan Anand became the country's first Grand Master in 1987 and now after 39 years he has become the 100th Grand Master. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated in a unique way. He has written that India scored a century in chess. Congratulating Anuj Shrivatri, PM Modi has expressed hope that with this success, more youth of India will join the game of chess and bring glory to the country. He expressed happiness over the fact that the youth of the country are making their mark on the global stage through Chess.
Recently, 22-year-old Anuj Srivatri became the 100th Grand Master by winning the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championship 2026 held in the Philippines. In 1987, Vishwanathan Anand became the first Grand Master of India and in 39 years the number of Grand Masters has increased to 100. Vishwanathan Anand himself has remembered his and Indian chess's journey on this occasion.
Also read: India gets its 100th Grand Master, what is the story of 22 year old Anuj Srivatri?
PM Modi spoke on India's success
PM Modi wrote on his X profile on Tuesday, 'India scored a century in chess. This is unprecedented isn't it? India is now home to 100 Chess Grand Masters. Congratulations to Anuj Srivatri on becoming India's 100th Master. It is a wonderful success. India reaching 100 Grand Masters reflects the unprecedented talent, dedication and hard work of our players as well as the growing popularity of chess among the youth. It is heartening to see that chess talent is emerging from different parts of the country and making its mark on the global stage. Hopefully this success will encourage many more youngsters to get into chess.
On this occasion, All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Nitin Narang has written, 'From Vishwanathan Anand sir to Anuj Srivatri. From one Grand Master to 100, India's chess journey has been spectacular. On the other hand, the next 100 are also dreaming, training and taking steps in full swing. 100 is just a milestone, not the finish line. Millions more dreams get their first move as the Prime Minister himself is cheering for Chase. Thank you Narendra Modi ji for always taking Indian chess forward.
Also read: Timur Turlov becomes 8th President of FIDE, Vishwanathan Anand Vice President
How to become a Grand Master?
Grand Master is considered the highest title in the game of chess. To achieve this title given by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), every player has to cross some important milestones. Let us tell you that when new players start playing and cross the FIDE rating 2200, they are called Candidate Master. Having a rating of 2300 gives you the title of FIDE Master, having a rating of 2400 and 3 IM norms, you get the title of International Master and then having a rating of 2500 and 3 GM norms, you get the title of Grand Master.