Sports: In a remarkable achievement, 21-year-old Raahul V S has become India’s 91st Grandmaster, securing the coveted title at the 6th ASEAN Individual Chess Championship in the Philippines. Raahul, a Tamil Nadu native, clinched the championship with a round to spare, showcasing exceptional skill and strategic maturity.
Raahul’s journey to becoming a Grandmaster has been marked by steady progress and dedication. He earned his International Master title in November 2021 and has consistently raised his FIDE rating beyond 2400, performing strongly in international tournaments. His achievement is a testament to his hard work and the robust coaching ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, which has produced 35 of India’s 91 Grandmasters.
The All-India Chess Federation (AICF) acknowledged Raahul’s milestone, with President Nitin Narang congratulating him on social media. “Heartiest congratulations to Raahul V S for clinching the ASEAN Individual Championship with a round to spare and, in the process, becoming the 91st Grandmaster of the nation! Wishing you many more milestones ahead and continued success in making Bharat proud,” Narang posted.
Raahul’s achievement reinforces India’s position as a growing force in global chess. With a strong pipeline of young talent, including recent Grandmasters like Illamparthi AR and S Rohith Krishna, India is poised to make a significant impact on the international chess scene.
