Indian chess player Mayank Chakraborty has scripted history by becoming the first Grandmaster from India’s North-East region and the country’s 94th Grandmaster, marking a significant milestone for the growth of chess in the region.
Chakraborty achieved the prestigious title after completing the final requirements set by the global chess governing body, FIDE. The Grandmaster title is the highest designation awarded in chess and is granted only to players who meet strict performance criteria, including achieving multiple Grandmaster norms and crossing the required rating threshold.
The achievement is particularly significant for India’s North-East, a region that has historically had limited representation at the highest levels of international chess. Chakraborty’s success is expected to inspire young players across the region, many of whom are increasingly taking up the game with the support of local academies and training programmes.
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India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing chess nations in the world over the past two decades, producing a steady stream of elite players. The rise of talents such as Viswanathan Anand, along with a new generation of prodigies, has significantly boosted interest in the sport and strengthened the country’s global standing in competitive chess.
With Chakraborty’s achievement, India’s Grandmaster tally has now reached 94, reflecting the depth of talent across the country. Experts say the continued expansion of chess infrastructure, online training platforms, and international exposure has played a key role in producing world-class players.
Chess enthusiasts and officials have hailed the milestone as a proud moment not only for the North-East but for Indian chess as a whole. Many believe Chakraborty’s success could open doors for more players from underrepresented regions to pursue professional chess and compete on the global stage.
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