India's Grandmaster Count Soars to 99, Anticipation Builds for the 100th

Sportstar · sports

India's chess landscape has seen remarkable growth, with the nation celebrating its 99th Grandmaster on July 19, 2026. This milestone follows a period of rapid acceleration in achieving Grandmaster titles. From having no Grandmasters until December 1987, India's progress has been significant, with the number of Grandmasters increasing substantially in recent years. The country now eagerly awaits its 100th Grandmaster, highlighting the rising prominence of Indian chess on the global stage.