Chennai’s 16-Year-Old Ilamparthi AR Becomes India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster

Tamil Nadu once again proves its dominance in Indian chess as 16-year-old Ilamparthi AR from Chennai becomes India’s 90th Grandmaster. He achieved this remarkable feat by securing his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open held in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Who is Ilamparthi AR?

Ilamparthi AR is a 16-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who recently became India’s 90th Grandmaster. Born in 2009, he has been passionate about chess from a young age and trains under Grandmaster Shyam Sundar M. A student of Velammal School, Ilamparthi has won several international tournaments and is known for his sharp strategies and consistent performance on the global stage.

Journey to the Grandmaster Title

Ilamparthi’s rise has been consistent and determined. He earned his first GM norm at the Ha Noi Tournament in Vietnam in December 2023, followed by his second GM norm at the Singapore International Open in 2024.

He then crossed the 2500 Elo rating mark during the Rilton Cup (2024–25), and his final norm in Bosnia confirmed his Grandmaster title — the highest title in chess.

Training and Support

Ilamparthi trains under Grandmaster Shyam Sundar M and receives support from multiple chess development programs. He is a student of Velammal School, a well-known institution that has produced several of India’s top chess talents, including D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa.

His dedication and consistent performance reflect the strong chess culture in Tamil Nadu, which continues to nurture young talents through schools, academies, and mentorship programs.

Global Recognition and Early Support

Even before achieving his GM title, Ilamparthi’s potential was recognized internationally. In 2022, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri donated his Death Match prize money to support Ilamparthi’s chess training — a gesture that highlighted the youngster’s growing reputation in the global chess community.

Tamil Nadu: The Chess Powerhouse of India

Tamil Nadu continues to be the hub of Indian chess, producing some of the country’s finest players who shine on the global stage. With Ilamparthi joining the elite list of Grandmasters, the state has reaffirmed its reputation as the cradle of Indian chess excellence.

His achievement not only brings pride to the chess community but also inspires a new generation of young players aiming to make India a dominant force in the world of chess.