India’s 87th Grandmaster Harikrishnan A Ra earned his final GM norm in France, highlighting India’s rising dominance in global chess. Key facts, history, and exam-ready takeaways included.
Harikrishnan A Ra Becomes India’s 87th Chess Grandmaster
Chennai‑based International Master Harikrishnan A Ra (age 23/24) has officially earned the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, becoming India’s 87th in this elite category. He secured his final GM norm on 11 July 2025 at the renowned La Plagne Chess Festival in France by defeating Jules Moussard and drawing with Indian GM P Iniyan
Journey From International Master to Grandmaster
Graduating to the GM level after receiving his IM title in 2018, Harikrishnan took part in several key events. His first GM norm was earned in July 2023 at the Biel International Chess Festival in Switzerland. He clinched the second in June 2025 at the Lince Andújar Open in SpainCrossing the 2500 FIDE rating mark in mid‑2024, he combined solid performance with strategic tournament selection and a disciplined European tour comprising ten consecutive events .
Mentorship & Self‑Driven Development
Guided by his coach GM Shyam Sundar from Chess Thulir Academy in Chennai, Harikrishnan emphasised daily consistency—balancing coaching sessions with rigorous self‑study, regular fitness routines like badminton and cricket, and mentoring junior players to reinforce his own understanding His mother’s involvement as a chess arbiter, along with family backing, provided crucial support
Strategy: Tournament Volume & Focused Goals
Harikrishnan’s decision to play 9–10 international tournaments back‑to‑back was deliberate. According to him, his peak form emerged after four consecutive events—a strategy that helped him secure back‑to‑back norms within 15 days He pledged to return home with a GM title, reflecting strong mental preparedness and targeted execution supported by ongoing communication with his coach
Academic Pursuits Alongside Chess
In addition to his chess career, Harikrishnan recently completed his Master’s degree in Commerce from SRM University and is preparing for an MBA, showcasing a dual commitment to education and sport
Next Goals: Elo 2600 & Super‑Strong Events
With the GM title secured, his focus now turns to surpassing the 2600 Elo threshold and participating in elite global open tournaments such as the Qatar Open, to test himself against top‑tier 2600‑plus GMs
Why This News Is Important
Elevating India’s Chess Legacy
Becoming the 87th Grandmaster, Harikrishnan contributes to India’s growing prominence in global chess—a realm once dominated by European countries. Tamil Nadu alone now boasts 32 GMs, highlighting its role as a national chess powerhouse
Strategy & Preparation Lessons for Aspirants
His intense schedule, frequent tournament play, and mental discipline offer valuable lessons for aspirants targeting competitive exams or performance-based goals. The approach of deliberate practice, goal‑setting, and focused execution has broad relevance.
Integrating Academics with Excellence in Sports
Balancing rigorous chess training with higher education sets a meaningful precedent for civil service aspirants, banking and defence candidates, underlining the importance of well‑rounded personal development.
Historical Context
Evolution of India’s Chess Journey
India’s first Grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand (1988), revolutionised chess domestically. Since then, the GM count has climbed steadily—from around 25 in 2010 to 87 in 2025, showcasing a surge in talent and institutional support.
Role of Chess Academies & Mentorship
Institutions like Chess Thulir (founded by GM Sundar) and mentorship from experienced GMs have been instrumental in India’s race to GM prominence—producing multiple titles in recent years
Key Takeaways from “India’s 87th Grandmaster”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Harikrishnan A Ra became India’s 87th GM on 11 July 2025 at La Plagne, France. |
| 2 | He earned the GM title after securing norms at Biel 2023, Andújar 2025, and La Plagne 2025. |
| 3 | A disciplined 10‑tournament European tour helped him peak and achieve back‑to‑back norms. |
| 4 | Mentored by GM Shyam Sundar, he balanced coaching, self‑study, fitness, and academics. |
| 5 | Now targeting a 2600+ Elo rating and participation in elite global chess tournaments. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Harikrishnan’s future goals in chess?
To surpass 2600 Elo rating and participate in elite global open tournaments like the Qatar Open.
Who is Harikrishnan A Ra?
Harikrishnan A Ra is an Indian chess player from Tamil Nadu who became the 87th Grandmaster (GM) of India in July 2025.
When did Harikrishnan achieve his final GM norm?
He achieved his third and final GM norm on 11 July 2025 at the La Plagne Chess Festival in France.
Which tournaments helped him earn the GM title?
First GM norm: Biel International Chess Festival, Switzerland (July 2023)
Second GM norm: Lince Andújar Open, Spain (June 2025)
Final GM norm: La Plagne Chess Festival, France (July 2025)
Who is Harikrishnan’s coach?
Grandmaster Shyam Sundar from Chess Thulir Academy, Chennai.
What is the minimum FIDE rating required to become a Grandmaster?
A player must cross 2500 FIDE rating points along with three GM norms to become a Grandmaster.
How many Grandmasters are there in India now?
Harikrishnan A Ra is India’s 87th Grandmaster.
What educational qualification does Harikrishnan hold?
He has completed a Master’s degree in Commerce from SRM University and is planning to pursue an MBA.
Why is this achievement important for Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu now has 32 Grandmasters, making it a leading state in Indian chess development.
What sports activities did Harikrishnan pursue alongside chess?
He engaged in badminton and cricket to maintain physical fitness.
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