Chennai: A new star has risen in Indian chess. Ilamparthi Avalpoondurai Ravikumar, better known as Ilamparthi AR, has etched his name in the country’s sporting history by becoming India’s 90th Grandmaster. The 16-year-old prodigy from Chennai achieved his final Grandmaster norm at the GM4 Bijeljina 2025 Chess Festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the culmination of a journey that began on the 64 squares of his hometown.
With this achievement, Ilamparthi joins an illustrious list of Tamil Nadu’s chess icons — from Viswanathan Anand, the pioneer, to modern-day stars D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa. Tamil Nadu’s dominance in Indian chess continues to grow, and Ilamparthi’s success adds another shining chapter to the state’s legacy of producing world-class talent.
A Journey of Consistency and Grit
Ilamparthi’s route to Grandmaster glory was one of determination and steady progress.
He earned his first GM norm at the Ha Noi Open in Vietnam in December 2023, followed by a second norm at the Singapore International Open in 2024.
His breakthrough came when he crossed the 2500 Elo rating barrier during the Rilton Cup (2024–25), a crucial threshold in the path to becoming a GM.
Finally, at the Bijeljina Open 2025 in Bosnia, he sealed the final norm that confirmed his title — and India had its 90th Grandmaster.
Praise from the Chess World
Congratulatory messages poured in soon after his triumph.
“Grandmaster No. 90 for Bharat! Congratulations to Ilamparthi AR on fulfilling all the requirements to become the 90th Grandmaster of the country. Wishing you many more laurels and continued success in making the nation proud,” wrote All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang on X.
Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, who has mentored Ilamparthi through his WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, hailed the youngster’s perseverance: “He’s missed it a few times but came back stronger each time. I truly believe he has immense potential, and we look forward to working together towards greater achievements.”
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
The Making of a Prodigy
Born on March 28, 2009, Ilamparthi hails from Chennai, Tamil Nadu — a city now synonymous with India’s chess excellence. He is a student of Velammal School, the same institution that nurtured other global chess sensations like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa.
Ilamparthi trains under Grandmaster Shyam Sundar M, a respected coach credited with shaping several GMs including Pranav V, Srihari LR, and Harikrishnan AR. His disciplined approach and calm temperament have made him a standout performer in youth and open tournaments alike.
His journey has also received international encouragement. In 2022, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri donated his Death Match prize money to support Ilamparthi’s training, calling him a “special talent worth investing in.” That faith has now been richly rewarded.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Ilamparthi follows in the footsteps of Divya Deshmukh and Rohith KS, the last two Indians to achieve the GM title before him. His rise continues India’s remarkable run in world chess, with the nation producing a steady stream of prodigies who are taking on global heavyweights.
At just 16, Ilamparthi’s journey is only beginning. His quiet confidence and relentless work ethic mark him as one of India’s brightest hopes for the future. As the chess world turns its attention to India — host of the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa — Ilamparthi’s emergence is yet another reminder that the next generation is ready to make its move.
The Last Word
In an era when India’s young minds are redefining the global chess landscape, Ilamparthi AR’s ascent is both a personal triumph and a national statement.
He is not just the 90th Grandmaster of India — he is a symbol of a new generation that blends tradition, talent, and technology to take Indian chess to even greater heights.
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