Raahul VS becomes India’s 91st Grandmaster after ASEAN Championship triumph

Raahul VS has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming India’s 91st Grandmaster after a stellar performance at the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship. His consistent gameplay and determination earned him the final Grandmaster norm, solidifying his position among India’s elite chess players. Raahul, who previously attained the International Master title in 2021, showcased exceptional strategic skills and composure throughout the tournament. His accomplishment highlights India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena and serves as an inspiration for aspiring young players. This achievement adds another proud chapter to India’s rich legacy in the world of chess.

Journey to Grandmaster of Raahul VS

• Raahul VS became the first Grandmaster by winning the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship with a round to spare.

• He was made the 91st Grandmaster of India, and this was a proud moment for Indian chess.

• In November 2021, Raahul was issued his International Master title due to the fulfillment of the IM norms and passing a 2400 rating.

• This progressive development in international tournaments and constant results made him overcome the mark of 2500 rating.

• The passage of Raahul represents the hard work, training, and the increased prevalence of young Indian chess players in the world scene.

Recent Grandmaster Additions in 2025

Srihari L. R. (86th Grandmaster) – Srihari L. R. became a GM in May 2025 following his persistent results in international tournaments. His success is an indication of the increasing power of the Indian youth in competitive chess.

Harikrishnan A. Ra (87th Grandmaster) – India achieved another milestone in the history of chess in July 2025 after winning the title due to remarkable play and gradual improvement in international competitions.

Divya Deshmukh (88th Grandmaster). Relatively new in history: India's 88th GM and the fourth female in India to be given the title in 2025, she gave new female players of chess hope.

Conclusion

A victory at the ASEAN Championship by Raahul VS on his way to becoming the 91st Grandmaster in India is a proud moment in the history of Indian chess. His success is portrayed as a sign of commitment, hard work, and immense talent, which illustrates how the country is becoming talented in the world arena. This achievement makes India even more powerful in world chess.