BRING YOUR VISION INTO ACTION
🏆 A New Star Rises in Indian Chess
India’s chess legacy continues to flourish as 16-year-old A.R. Ilamparthi from Chennai becomes the nation’s 90th Grandmaster, marking another proud moment for Tamil Nadu, the cradle of Indian chess excellence.
The young prodigy secured his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina, officially joining India’s elite Grandmaster club.
💪 The Journey of a Champion
Born in 2009, Ilamparthi’s journey to the GM title is a story of resilience, consistency, and unwavering focus.
He earned his:
- First GM norm at the Ha Noi Tournament in Vietnam (December 2023)
- Second GM norm at the Singapore International Open (2024)
- Crossed the 2500 Elo mark during the Rilton Cup (2024–25)
- And finally, achieved his third and final norm at the Bijeljina Open in Bosnia (2025)
This incredible performance sealed his place among the world’s elite young chess minds.
👨👦 The Family Behind the Success
Ilamparthi’s father, Ravikumar, a 47-year-old software engineer, expressed heartfelt relief after his son finally completed the long-awaited milestone.
“He missed by a whisker in six tournaments since April,” shared Ravikumar, emphasizing the persistence that defined Ilamparthi’s journey.
Balancing professional commitments and family challenges, Ravikumar’s support has been instrumental. With another son battling epilepsy, he often couldn’t travel with Ilamparthi, but made sure the young genius learned to manage independently — even teaching him how to cook during tournaments abroad.
♟️ Training, Mentorship, and Global Recognition
Ilamparthi trains under GM Shyam Sundar M and represents the prestigious Velammal School, an institution that has produced global stars like D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa.
He also trains under the mentorship of five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, at the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, where India’s brightest talents are being shaped for world domination.
Anand congratulated him saying,
“He missed the title on a few occasions but came back stronger each time. He has immense potential and we hope to work together towards greater achievements.”
🌍 A Global Chess Community Inspired
The international chess community has long recognized Ilamparthi’s brilliance. Back in 2022, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri donated his Death Match prize money to support Ilamparthi’s chess training — a gesture that reflects how far-reaching the young Indian’s impact has been.
🇮🇳 Pride of India: A Grandmaster with a Vision
AICF President Nitin Narang took to social media, posting:
“Grandmaster No. 90 for Bharat! Congratulations to Ilamparthi AR. Wishing you many more laurels and continued success in making the nation proud.”
With eyes now set on crossing the 2600 Elo mark and achieving the coveted Super Grandmaster title, Ilamparthi stands as a symbol of discipline, patience, and dedication.
💡 Tamil Nadu – The Powerhouse of Indian Chess
Tamil Nadu continues to be the birthplace of India’s greatest chess legends — from Viswanathan Anand to Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa, and now Ilamparthi.
Each of these prodigies represents a new generation that’s transforming India into a global chess superpower.
🎯 Conclusion: The Vision of the Future
A.R. Ilamparthi’s Grandmaster title is more than just an individual triumph — it’s a reflection of India’s unstoppable rise in world chess. His journey reminds us that with the right vision, mentorship, and perseverance, greatness is inevitable.
At Chess Visionaries, we celebrate young minds like Ilamparthi who bring their vision into action, inspiring millions of kids to dream big and play bold.