One Step Closer to 100! Harshavardhan G.B. Becomes India's 97th Grandmaster

India's remarkable chess journey has reached yet another milestone. Just a day after the country celebrated its 96th Grandmaster, 22-year-old Harshavardhan G.B. etched his name into history by becoming India's 97th Grandmaster, bringing the nation one step closer to the coveted century mark.The Chennai-based chess star secured his final Grandmaster norm at the 2nd Chola Chess GM Norm Round Robin Tournament, capping off an unforgettable campaign with an unbeaten performance.Finishing with 6.5 points from nine rounds, Harshavardhan registered four victories and five draws while crossing the prestigious 2500 FIDE rating, officially earning one of the highest titles in world chess.A Dramatic Finish Worthy of a GrandmasterHarshavardhan's achievement was anything but straightforward. After five rounds, he found himself on just three points, leaving him with the daunting task of scoring 3.5 points from his final four games to secure his final Grandmaster norm. What followed was a remarkable display of composure under pressure.He began the comeback by defeating International Master Kushagra Mohan in the sixth round. Confidence soaring, he then stunned tournament leader Grandmaster Michal Krasenkow, one of the event's strongest competitors.In the eighth round, Harshavardhan showcased his tactical brilliance by winning a highly complex rook endgame against Alexei Fedorov. Entering the final round, he needed only a draw to achieve his dream—and calmly secured it against Mihail Nikitenko, completing an unbeaten tournament and sealing the Grandmaster title.A Dream That Began at FourHarshavardhan's chess journey began nearly two decades ago. Introduced to the game at the age of four by his father, FT Gopalakrishnan K., he quickly developed a passion for chess in Chennai, widely regarded as India's chess capital.Over the years, he sharpened his skills under respected coach Visweswaran Kameswaran before beginning training with Grandmaster Deepan Chakkravarthy, whose guidance has played a key role in his recent success. His rise through the ranks has been steady and impressive.He earned his first Grandmaster norm after winning the Asian Junior Championship in 2022, followed by his second norm at the Asian Continental Championship in 2025—a performance that also qualified him for the prestigious FIDE World Cup. The final norm in Chennai was the last piece of the puzzle.Harshavardhan's success comes at a time when Indian chess is experiencing unprecedented growth. With Ethan Vaz becoming India's 96th Grandmaster just a day earlier, Harshavardhan's achievement highlights the extraordinary depth of young chess talent emerging from the country.As the country edges closer to producing its 100th Grandmaster, Harshavardhan G.B.'s unforgettable unbeaten run will be remembered as another proud chapter in India's remarkable chess story.